Author Archives: Rosalind C Hughes

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About Rosalind C Hughes

Rosalind C Hughes is an Episcopal priest, poet, and author living near the shores of Lake Erie. After growing up in England and Wales, and living briefly in Singapore, she is now settled in Ohio. Rosalind is the author of A Family Like Mine: Biblical Stories of Love, Loss, and Longing , and Whom Shall I Fear? Urgent Questions for Christians in an Age of Violence, both from Upper Room Books. She loves the lake, misses the ocean, and is finally coming to terms with snow.

Sermon for a Christmas Eve pageant

And so here we all are. Here is Mary, exhausted. There’s a reason that childbirth is called labour: it’s a workout. Here is Joseph, permanently bewildered, still not really sure what’s happening, but see the love that he has for … Continue reading

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Year C Advent 4: kissing cousins

When we moved to Singapore, in 1998, my cousin and her husband were packing up to move back to Britain. We overlapped by just a couple of weeks. Lisa came out to the condo and gave me some tips on … Continue reading

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Afterwards

An Advent meditation for/from the Diocese of Ohio On this date eighteen years ago, my waiting had finally come to an end. One day earlier, our Christmas baby, our Omega child, had been born in the night. Of course, the end … Continue reading

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Second thoughts

Mary did not float through her pregnancy without her swollen feet touching the ground. When Mary returned to her senses, the bread was burning, and she nearly took the skin off her hands snatching it from the fire in a … Continue reading

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Year C Advent 3: Rejoice anyway

The third Sunday in Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday. The rose candle is lit – if one is used – and the readings rejoice in God our saviour. Gaudete! Rejoice always, as the letter to the Philippians commands. And … Continue reading

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The letter of Zephaniah to the Philippians, as recorded in the Gospel of John the Baptist according to Luke

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice, you brood of vipers! Rejoice in the Lord and exult with all your heart! Continue reading

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Lesser known legends of St Nicolas

Nikolai was born in Demre, Turkey, formerly known as Myra. Nikolai was born into a wealthy family, but he was orphaned at a young age and raised by monks at a local orphanage. When he came of age, Nikolai travelled … Continue reading

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Preaching peace unpeacefully

I preached peace anyway; the peace that passes understanding; the peace with which Jesus leaves us, although he spent a lot of time, too, promising persecution. I worry that this will not be received as good news. Continue reading

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Can I say “fiery cat farts” in an Advent meditation?

This was originally published by the RevGalBlogPals in their weekly email. (No cats were harmed in the making of this Advent meditation.) I adjusted my Advent prayer rituals after acquiring a third cat. Animals are supposed to have a natural fear … Continue reading

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Advent in the meantime

Light and dark his skin and mine. “Who has the time?” he asked. I had said, “I am a process person.” He said it quietly, but I heard the harmonic ringing out: “Time is a privilege.” The time between “thy … Continue reading

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