John van de Laar
sacredise.bsky.social
John van de Laar
@sacredise.bsky.social
Writer, Liturgist, Video Editor, Music Producer, Husband, Dad.
I’m all about Evolutionary Liturgical Christianity.
The Christmas story is wonderful mythology but terrible history. This should not be a controversial statement.
From 'The Christmas Myth (Part One)': https://bit.ly/3Y2wSM4

#Christmas
#Mythology
#GospelOfMatthew
December 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Christ's Advent is not just a once-off thing. It is a constantly present reality. And we need it now as much as ever.
Let's pray...

sacredise.com/advent...

#Advent 4A
#AdventNow
#Prayer
December 19, 2025 at 7:00 AM
We limited God’s love and salvation to our own human species, and even then we didn’t have enough love to go around for all of humanity! God ended up looking quite miserly and inept, to be honest.
- Richard Rohr

#TrueStory
December 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM
After Christmas, Epiphany invites us to remember Jesus as a window into God’s being and glory, AND a mirror which reflects that same divine being and glory within us and everyone.
'See Inside' is your guide to this revealing season: payhip.com/b/HkIr4

#Epiphany
#Glory
December 18, 2025 at 7:00 AM
December 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM
It’s more than a little ironic that the season of ‘Peace on Earth’ is also one of the busiest times in our year. It can be more than a little physically and emotionally exhausting.
From 'Have Yourself a Mindful Little Christmas': payhip.com/b/i6acC

#Mindfulness
#Christmas
#Prayer
December 17, 2025 at 7:00 AM
From 'Lectionary Reflection for Advent 4A on Isaiah 7:10–16': https://bit.ly/4rZVfrg

#Advent4A
#Immanuel
#Love
December 16, 2025 at 1:30 PM
December 16, 2025 at 7:00 AM
How are you influenced by your society? Which elements of that society would you want to opt out of? How might you live in a God’s reign-inspired way in the midst of your society?
For my reflections on these questions, check out, ‘Be Careful Who You Copy’: bit.ly/4ab4EpN
December 15, 2025 at 8:04 PM
December 12, 2025 at 1:30 PM
One of my favourite passages in the Bible is Mary's song, which we know as the Magnificat. It's a subversive and defiant prayer celebrating the God who is always inspiring people of justice, equality, and inclusion in our world. Here's my paraphrase.
Let's pray!

sacredise.com/advent...
December 12, 2025 at 7:00 AM
The truth is that if we are waiting for our world to become whole, united, and just before we enter into joy, we will never know joy at all. If we are to find joy in this life, it will have to be in the midst of the grief, anger, and pain.
From 'The Great Wait': https://bit.ly/4iDyZza

#Joy
#Advent
December 11, 2025 at 1:30 PM
At Christmas, we can get so caught up in the busyness that we lose the mindfulness that makes it meaningful. But a quick spiritual practice that only takes a few minutes can make a huge difference. That's what 'Have Yourself a Mindful Little Christmas' is for!
Check it out: payhip.com/b/i6acC
December 11, 2025 at 7:25 AM
From 'Lectionary Reflection for Advent 3A on Isaiah 35:1-10': https://bit.ly/48Azhnr

#Advent3A
#Tricksters
#Joy
December 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
December 10, 2025 at 7:00 AM
From 'Lectionary Reflection for Advent 3A on Isaiah 35:1-10': https://bit.ly/48Azhnr

#Advent3A
#Joy
December 9, 2025 at 1:30 PM
If our work for justice and peace, for compassion and grace brings no joy – to us or to those we serve – we do not really bring liberation.
From Lectionary Resources by Sacredise.
sacredise.com/advent...

#Joy
#Advent3A
December 9, 2025 at 7:00 AM
December 8, 2025 at 7:54 PM
We speak of Advent as the Season of Waiting, but what are we waiting for? We might say Christ's return, but what does that mean?
Take some time to think about these questions for yourself. Then, if you're interested, check out my thoughts: https://bit.ly/4iDyZza

#Advent
#Waiting
#ReturnOfChrist
December 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM
December 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
From 'The Great Wait: A Reflection on James 5:7-10 for Advent 3A': https://bit.ly/4iDyZza

#Advent3A
#Joy
#Waiting
December 5, 2025 at 1:30 PM
The second week of Advent calls us to peace in a world where peace is tragically elusive.
Let's pray...

From 'Living as Advent People': payhip.com/b/a9NKR

#Advent2A
#Peace
#Shalom
December 5, 2025 at 7:00 AM
A few years ago, in response to the chaos of Christmas, Sacredise published a little prayer guide. 'Have Yourself a Mindful Little Christmas' offers a quick daily practice to help you be mindful in the Christmas Season.
Check it out: payhip.com/b/i6acC

#Christmas
#Mindfulness
December 4, 2025 at 7:00 AM
From 'The Complex Problem of Peace'. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4rmilYS

#Peace
#Advent2A
December 3, 2025 at 1:30 PM
If we are ever going to find a way through the turbulence in our lives and
world, we need hope. Despair can’t help us.
From 'Living as Advent People'. Check it out here: payhip.com/b/a9NKR

#Hope
#Advent
December 3, 2025 at 7:00 AM