We often think of couples living together before marriage as a modern notion, but up until 1609 it was common practice in Scotland, especially in the more remote areas. A couple could live together, as if they were husband and wife, for one year and a day to give the relationship a test run before committing.

There are places of beautiful mystery in the natural world. I bet you've found one at some point in your life. Maybe you've been lucky enough to find many of them. In the Celtic tradition these places are called Thin Places. This is because the veil which separates Heaven from Earth is thin. You feel like you could almost touch Heaven, or even taste it.

I would like to share a guest post with you today. This is a piece written by Mark Condy. Mark is Celtic Christian living in Ohio. He has a blog on Celtic Christian spirituality which you can find here. I hope you enjoy his reflection! I got up and hastily threw my clothes on; I … Continue reading What is your favourite trysting-place? →

Tomorrow is the feast of Epiphany in the church calendar. The day when we celebrate those three wise men who came to visit Jesus and bring him gifts. The word epiphany itself comes from ancient Greek times. Before it was used to describe the moment of Christ’s being revealed to the world it was used … Continue reading Epiphany: Mystery in the Stars →

Every year, on New Year's Eve, people all around the world sing a few lines in Scots which most people don't understand. Those lines are: "Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought tae mind. Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and the days of auld lang syne." I bet you always wondered what that even … Continue reading New Year’s Eve: What does Auld Lang Syne Actually Mean? →

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. Dear … Continue reading Christmas: The Day Love Was Born →

We have a lot of ideas about what constitutes a traditional Christmas, but we often fail to realize that Christmas traditions have changed a lot since the first one in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. The first recorded Christmas celebrations took place in the 4th century and we don’t know a whole lot about them other … Continue reading Is There Such a Thing as a Traditional Christmas? →

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to … Continue reading The Prophet Mary and Her Sacred Song →

I would like to share with you a guest post written by a member of our New Eden community. Her name is Cheryl Colford and she has written a reflection for Advent on Matthew 3:1-12. John the Baptist is such a fascinating character. He's wild and untamed, yet Jesus says plainly that John is the … Continue reading Naked Hope →

Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? … Continue reading What Does Elijah Have to Do With Advent? →