Category Archives: Advent

Sunsets & Advent

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Whether attentively driving home on a bustling lane-changing Chicago expressway, preparing dinner for your family and warming a single portion for your child at some school practice, watching the nightly news with its nightly, frightening stories; or like me gazing … Continue reading →

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Advent I

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

In the lives of those who believe and pray, you can be sure of bleak winters of the spirit. We seem to go along so well for a while in prayer and relationships and life, but from season to season … Continue reading →

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“I’m John,” With No Last Name

Posted on December 8, 2019 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

“Hi everybody. I’m John. I don’t have a last name. I guess there weren’t enough people in Bethany to make me need one. After all, I’m special, A-Number 1, King of the Hill. How many kids can say, “My mom … Continue reading →

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The Christmas Surprise

Posted on December 23, 2018 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

I wonder what happens to wonder as we age? How about the word anticipation? Or, how about that churchy word, awe. If I hear one more young person say, “It’s an awesome movie, you gotta see it” then I’ll lose … Continue reading →

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Advent’s “Perfection”

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

What’s the word I’m looking for. Is it unparalleled or incomparable? Is it faultless or flawless? No, those are not the words I want. The word I want is “perfect.” We look at someone in a wheelchair and thing to … Continue reading →

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Advent’s “Sidekick”

Posted on December 11, 2018 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

“One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.” John the Baptist We all tend to think that we’re important people…and we are, yet how many times in … Continue reading →

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“Follow the Fellow”

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

(The Christian seasons of Advent & Easter meets Jesus Christ through the music of Broadway) “On the day I was born, Said my father, said he. I’ve an elegant legacy Waitin’ for ye, ‘Tis rhyme for your lips And a … Continue reading →

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“Behold” An Advent Reflection

Posted on January 7, 2018 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

“Behold.”  The word says what it saw.  Underused but a descriptive word.  The curtain’s been lifted.  There are no strings attached and there is no agenda. Just that one, spoken word that startles you from whatever you were thinking or doing, … Continue reading →

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“The Holy Family” & Ours

Posted on December 30, 2017 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

A terrible blow to families and psychology happened in the 1980’s when the word “dysfunctional” became vogue when applied to families. Lots of books sold and lots of talks, especially in our family on how we became this word. Every other … Continue reading →

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“Keep Your Fork,” Christmas Reflection

Posted on December 25, 2017 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

God sent His Son, His only Son to bring the world redemption through love, mercy, and hope. We acknowledge and honor that great event once again. God did a pretty good job, don’t you think? Jesus did a pretty good … Continue reading →

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