Cody and Craig are getting things on schedule. We have two recordings in a row, two weeks in a row. That may be a record streak. Again, we are using our rough edit (no edit) style, so that these podcasts are certified fresh. But like fresh organic apples, might not be the prettiest thing, but its good for you.

In this episode

We talk more about Advent, focusing on the readings and themes of Week Two. The second week of Advent builds around the theme of peace to interpret the scripture. But, we note, these are cries of the underdogs who seek justice. Though peace sounds peaceful, this kind of peace may be unsettling. We also discuss two movies and three songs to help expand your Advent imagination. And soccer.

Oh yeah, MLS soccer gets a brief mention. The mention of refugees and welcoming strangers fit right into talking about the Portland Timbers. See the news story Craig briefly mentioned here: https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/portland-timbers-visit-idahos-juniors-futbol-club/277-552107508

Resources for Advent Imagination: Two Movies and Three Songs

While not quite qualifying as real movie critics, we discuss the issues related to wandering underdogs and aliens (real intergalactic aliens), and refugees at our borders. The contemporary news bears witness to the relevance of the Advent themes.

Two Movies

The Visitor: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0857191/

A college professor travels to New York City to attend a conference and finds a young couple living in his apartment.

District 9: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1136608/?ref_=nv_sr_1

An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth in post-Apartheid Johannesburg.

Three Songs

Craig kind of monopolized the music choices for the second week of Advent with two of his favorite performers, The Brilliance and John Mark McMillan. As well as little dip into country music with Ryan Culwell. You can listen to full versions of these songs on YouTube. For the adventurous types, both John Mark McMillan and The Brilliance offer lyric videos so you can sing these with your friends!

John Mark McMillan – Baby Son: https://youtu.be/-xy6s1BSD_4

Ryan Culwell – The Last American:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_bAXTehhrI

Also, you can learn more about Ryan Culwell from his interview on NPR’s Weekend Edition with Jennifer Ludden: https://www.npr.org/2018/08/18/639822987/musician-and-landscaper-ryan-culwell-on-making-ends-meet

The Brilliance – Welcome to the Darkness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wIwFHL0Gpw . Possibly a good fit for Blue Christmas ( December 21st, also St Thomas Day).

See you next time!