West Hills Friends

"They left by another way," by Nathan Meckley

Nathan Meckley reflects on Epiphany as the manifestation of light that both illuminates God’s presence and exposes the deep shadows of power, fear, and violence in the world. Nathan read the story of the Magi and we spent some time reflecting on the line “they left for their own country by another way.” Queries: How do you address the reality of shadow in the presence of light, both spiritually and practically? What can influence you to “go another way,” to choose a different path? Would you do so even when the outcome is uncertain?

"Magnificat" by K. D. Novak Burnett

K. D. Novak Burnett shares “The Magnificat,” a short-story style reflection drawing from one of her childhood memories.

Lectio Divina for John 1 with Nathan Meckley

Nathan Meckley reads the first several verses of John known as the prologue, where rather than talking about a birth and childhood, the author casts the coming of Jesus into the world in cosmic and eternal proportion. We reflected on the passage using the practice of lectio divina.

"Confronting our own worst impulses," by Laura Simmons

Laura Simmons talks about confronting the temptation to write off those who write us off.

"Joy Visits, " by Nathan Meckley

In his message, Nathan Meckley spoke about how rather than joy being manufactured, it visits us. We receive it as a gift. Have your experiences of pleasure, of happiness, and of joy been similar emotionally or spiritually or how have they been different? From where does the gift of joy come to you, especially during difficult times? And, to borrow from C.S. Lewis, have you ever been surprised by joy?