Women’s Christmas Retreat 2024: Curious about Joy

January 6, 2024 by Jan Richardson

Image: Wise Women Also CameImage: Wise Women Also Came © Jan Richardson

Happy New Year and Merry Epiphany! In celebration, these three wise women are stopping by with a gift for you. You might know that some folks celebrate Epiphany (January 6) as Women’s Christmas. Originating in Ireland, where it is known as Nollaig na mBan, Women’s Christmas began as a day when the women set aside time to enjoy a break and celebrate together at the end of the holidays.

It has become a tradition for me to create a new retreat each year that you can download as a PDF and use on Women’s Christmas or whenever you need some time for reflection and regathering. The new retreat is hot off the press and waiting for you! This year’s theme is Curious about Joy. It includes readings, art, questions, and blessings. You can do the retreat alone or share it with friends. (And it’s not for women only!)

There is no cost for the retreat. It’s my Women’s Christmas gift to you, with deep gratitude for your presence on my path. To download the retreat, click this link to go to the Women’s Christmas page on my Sanctuary of Women site:

Women’s Christmas Retreat 2024: Curious about Joy

I would be delighted for you to share this gift with others.

I send much gratitude and many blessings for you. Merry Women’s Christmas!

[To use the Wise Women Also Came image or order it as a print, please visit this page at Jan Richardson Images.]

An Illuminated Advent – 2023

November 21, 2023 by Jan Richardson

Illuminated Advent Retreat

ILLUMINATED 2023
December 3 – December 27
New for this Advent!

Beloved friends, I am so happy to share that registration for this year’s online Advent retreat is open! I can hardly begin to tell you all the ways this retreat holds my heart, and how much I am looking forward to it in this particular year. I would love to spend the season in your company.

In a chaotic time, this retreat will offer a space of elegant simplicity. Intertwining writing, art, music, and community, this online journey creates spaces of reflection and rest that you can enter into from anywhere you are, in the way that works best for you.

Info & registration:
ILLUMINATED ADVENT RETREAT

This online retreat is not about adding one more thing to your holiday schedule! It is about helping you enter deeply into a season that shimmers with mystery and possibility, solace and hope. It is especially designed to fit easily into whatever your Advent days might hold. We love hearing from people who say this retreat helps them breathe and engage the season.

Individual, group, and congregational rates are available. (And we have a very flexible definition of “congregation”!) We have gift registrations, too. Questions? Be sure to visit our Illuminated FAQ page.

I am grateful for you and sending you so many blessings as Advent draws near.

Women’s Christmas Retreat 2023 – A Gift for You

January 5, 2023 by Jan Richardson

Image: Wise Women Also CameImage: Wise Women Also Came © Jan Richardson

Happy New Year and Merry Epiphany, almost! In celebration, these three wise women are stopping by with a gift for you. You might know that some folks celebrate Epiphany (January 6) as Women’s Christmas. Originating in Ireland, where it is known as Nollaig na mBan, Women’s Christmas began as a day when the women set aside time to enjoy a break and celebrate together at the end of the holidays.

It has become a tradition for me to create a new retreat each year that you can download as a PDF and use on Women’s Christmas or whenever you need some time for reflection and regathering. The new retreat is hot off the press and waiting for you! This year’s theme is In the Light of a New Constellation. It includes readings, art, questions, and blessings. You can do the retreat alone or share it with friends. (And it’s not for women only!)

There is no cost for the retreat. It’s my Women’s Christmas gift to you, with deep gratitude for your presence on my path. To download the retreat, click this link to go to the Women’s Christmas page on my Sanctuary of Women site:

Women’s Christmas Retreat 2023: In the Light of a New Constellation

I would be delighted for you to share this gift with others.

I send much gratitude and many blessings for you. Merry Women’s Christmas!

[To use the Wise Women Also Came image or order it as a print, please visit this page at Jan Richardson Images.]

An Illuminated Advent – 2022

November 9, 2022 by Jan Richardson

Illuminated Advent Retreat

ILLUMINATED 2022
An Online Journey into the Heart of Christmas
November 27 – December 27

Beloved friends, I am thrilled to share that registration for this year’s online Advent retreat is open! I can hardly begin to tell you all the ways this retreat holds my heart, and how much I am looking forward to it in this particular year. I would love to spend the season in your company.

In a chaotic time, this retreat will offer a space of elegant simplicity. Intertwining writing, art, music, and community, this online journey creates spaces of reflection and rest that you can enter into from anywhere you are, in the way that works best for you.

Info & registration:
ILLUMINATED ADVENT RETREAT

This online retreat is not about adding one more thing to your holiday schedule! It is about helping you enter deeply into a season that shimmers with mystery and possibility, solace and hope. It is especially designed to fit easily into whatever your Advent days might hold. I love hearing from people who say this retreat helps them breathe and engage the season.

Individual, group, and congregational rates are available. (And we have a very flexible definition of “congregation”!) We have gift registrations, too. Questions? Be sure to visit our FAQ page for the retreat.

I am grateful for you and sending you so many blessings as Advent draws near.

Women’s Christmas Retreat 2022 – A Gift for You

January 4, 2022 by Jan Richardson

Image: Wise Women Also CameImage: Wise Women Also Came © Jan Richardson

Happy New Year and Merry Epiphany, almost! In celebration, these three wise women are stopping by with a gift for you. You might know that some folks celebrate Epiphany (January 6) as Women’s Christmas. Originating in Ireland, where it is known as Nollaig na mBan, Women’s Christmas began as a day when the women set aside time to enjoy a break and celebrate together at the end of the holidays.

It has become a tradition for me to create a new retreat each year that you can download as a PDF and use on Women’s Christmas or whenever you need some time for reflection and regathering. The new retreat is hot off the press and waiting for you! This year’s theme is A Path Called Solace. It includes readings, art, questions, and blessings. You can do the retreat alone or share it with friends. (And it’s not for women only!)

There is no cost for the retreat. It’s my Women’s Christmas gift to you, with deep gratitude for your presence on my path. To download the retreat, visit this page at my Sanctuary of Women site:

Women’s Christmas Retreat 2022: A Path Called Solace

I would be delighted for you to share this gift with others.

I send much gratitude and many blessings for you. Merry Women’s Christmas!

[To use the Wise Women Also Came image or order it as a print, please visit this page at Jan Richardson Images.]

An Illuminated Advent – 2021

November 3, 2021 by Jan Richardson

Illuminated 2021 Retreat

ILLUMINATED 2021
An Online Journey into the Heart of Christmas
November 28 – December 27

Beloved friends, I am thrilled to share the news that registration for this year’s online Advent retreat is now open! I can hardly begin to tell you all the ways this retreat holds my heart, and how much I am looking forward to it in this particular year. I would love to spend the season in your company! In a chaotic time, this retreat will offer a space of elegant simplicity. Intertwining writing, art, music, and community, this online journey creates spaces of reflection and rest that you can enter into from anywhere you are, in the way that works best for you.

Info & registration:
ILLUMINATED ADVENT RETREAT

This online retreat is not about adding one more thing to your holiday schedule! It is about helping you enter deep into a season that shimmers with mystery and possibility, solace and hope. It is especially designed to fit easily into whatever your Advent days might hold. I love hearing from people who say this retreat helps them breathe and engage the season.

Individual, group, and congregational rates are available. (And we have a very flexible definition of “congregation”!) Questions? Be sure to visit our FAQ page for the retreat.

I am grateful for you and sending you so many blessings as Advent draws near.

Women’s Christmas Retreat 2021 – A Gift for You

January 4, 2021 by Jan Richardson

Wise Women Also CameWise Women Also Came © Jan Richardson

Happy New Year and Merry Epiphany, almost! In celebration, these three wise women are stopping by with a gift for you. You might know that some folks celebrate Epiphany (January 6) as Women’s Christmas. Originating in Ireland, where it is known as Nollaig na mBan, Women’s Christmas began as a day when the women set aside time to enjoy a break and celebrate together at the end of the holidays.

It has become a tradition for me to create a new retreat each year that you can download as a PDF and use on Women’s Christmas or whenever you need some time for reflection and regathering. The new retreat (our tenth!) is hot off the press and waiting for you! This year’s theme is The Sanctuary Between Us, and it offers an invitation to ponder how we hold space for one another across the distance. It includes readings, art, questions, and blessings. You can do the retreat alone or share it with friends. (And it’s not for women only!)

There is no cost for the retreat. It’s my Women’s Christmas gift to you, with deep gratitude for your presence on my path. To download the retreat, visit this page at my Sanctuary of Women site:

Women’s Christmas Retreat 2021: The Sanctuary Between Us

I’d be delighted for you to pass along the gift by sharing the link with others.

I send much gratitude and many blessings for you. Merry Women’s Christmas!

P.S. Our festive Advent discount on annual subscriptions to the Jan Richardson Images site continues through Epiphany Day on January 6. An annual subscription enables you to download any images for use in worship during the year. Advent rate: $125 (regularly $165). Click Subscribe to sign up.

[To use the Wise Women Also Came image or order it as a print, please visit this page at Jan Richardson Images.]

An Illuminated Advent – 2020

November 10, 2020 by Jan Richardson

Illuminated 2020 retreat-banner

ILLUMINATED 2020
An Online Journey into the Heart of Christmas
November 29 – December 26

Beloved friends, it has been hard to wrap my head around what the season of Advent might look like this year. But I do know this: I will be offering a new online Advent retreat, and I would love to spend the season in your company! Registration is now open for the Illuminated 2020 Advent Retreat. In a chaotic time, this retreat will offer a space of elegant simplicity. Intertwining writing, art, music, and community, this online journey creates spaces of reflection and rest that you can enter into from anywhere you are, in the way that works best for you.

I am excited that this year, for the first time, the Illuminated Retreat will be based on my book Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas. Whether you are new to Night Visions or are someone who returns to it each year, I invite you to join us for this unique chance to travel through it together. (Purchasing the book is not necessary.)

Info & registration:
ILLUMINATED ADVENT RETREAT

This online retreat is not about adding one more thing to your holiday schedule! It is about helping you enter deep into this season that shimmers with mystery and possibility, solace and hope. It is especially designed to fit easily into whatever your Advent days might hold. I love hearing from people who say this retreat helps them breathe and engage the season.

Individual, group, and congregational rates are available. (And we have a very flexible definition of “congregation”!) Questions? Be sure to visit our FAQ page for the retreat.

I am grateful for you and sending you so many blessings as Advent draws near.

Women’s Christmas Retreat 2020 – A Gift for You

January 3, 2020 by Jan Richardson

Wise Women Also Came © Jan Richardson

Happy New Year and Blessed Epiphany, almost! In celebration, these three wise women are stopping by with a gift for you. You might know that some folks celebrate Epiphany (January 6) as Women’s Christmas. Originating in Ireland, where it is known as Nollaig na mBan, Women’s Christmas began as a day when the women set aside time to enjoy a break and celebrate together at the end of the holidays.

It has become a tradition for me to create a new retreat each year that you can download as a PDF and use on Women’s Christmas or whenever you need some time for reflection and regathering. The new retreat is hot off the press and waiting for you! This year’s theme is “What the Light Shines Through,” and it offers an invitation to ponder the work of mending, restoration, and healing—the ways by which the brokenness within us and around us becomes transformed. It includes readings, art, questions, and blessings. You can do the retreat alone or share it with friends. (And it’s not for women only!)

There is no cost for the retreat. It’s my Women’s Christmas gift to you, with gratitude for your presence on my path. To download the retreat, visit this page at my Sanctuary of Women blog:

Women’s Christmas Retreat 2020: What the Light Shines Through

I’d be delighted for you to pass along the gift by sharing the link with others.

I send much gratitude and many blessings for you. Merry Women’s Christmas!

P.S. Our festive Advent discount on annual subscriptions to the Jan Richardson Images site continues through Epiphany Day! An annual subscription enables you to download any images for use in worship during the year. Advent rate: $125 (regularly $165). Extended through January 6. Click Subscribe to sign up.

[To use the Wise Women Also Came image or order it as a print, please visit this page at Jan Richardson Images.]

Advent 2: Prepare, Prepare

December 6, 2019 by Jan Richardson

Blessing the Way © Jan Richardson

Readings for Advent 2, Year A:
Matthew 3.1-12; Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13

When John the Baptist comes over that wilderness horizon, smelling of camel’s hair, his lips dripping with honey and with fire, he is pointing toward a way that we can make only by what we give up, what we shed, what we let go of.

—from Advent 2: A Road Runs Through It

Prepare, prepare. As we approach the second Sunday of Advent, we hear again those words about a way that is being made, and a call to make ready for the One who will travel it toward us. In a season that gives us a stunning constellation of hopeful texts, this one strikes me as one of the most hopeful of all: that in the wilderness, amidst whatever chaos and uncertainty it holds, a path is being made for the One who comes to meet us, who persists in seeking us out again and again. And I wonder, what is the way that needs to be made ready in me, that I might meet the Christ who is already drawing close?

I’ve gathered up a blessing for you, along with earlier reflections on this Sunday’s readings. And I want  you to know there is still time to join us for the Illuminated 2019 Advent Retreat! I would love to travel with you on that online journey. You’ll find info below.

In all your preparing, may you know peace. I offer gratitude and blessings for you in these days.

Prepare
A Blessing for Advent

Strange how one word
will so hollow you out.
But this word
has been in the wilderness
for months.
Years.

This word is what remained
after everything else
was worn away
by sand and stone.
It is what withstood
the glaring of sun by day,
the weeping loneliness of
the moon at night.

Now it comes to you
racing out of the wild,
eyes blazing
and waving its arms,
its voice ragged with desert
but piercing and loud
as it speaks itself
again and again:

Prepare, prepare.

It may feel like
the word is leveling you,
emptying you
as it asks you
to give up
what you have known.

It is impolite
and hardly tame,
but when it falls
upon your lips
you will wonder
at the sweetness,

like honey
that finds its way
into the hunger
you had not known
was there.

—Jan Richardson
from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons


— PREVIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THE READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY —

Matthew 3.1-12

Advent 2: A Road Runs Through It
Door 9: Making Way

Related Reflections on the Gospel

Advent 2: Dreaming the Road
Advent 2: A Blessing for Preparing
Advent 2: Blessing the Way
Advent 2: The Mystery of Approach
A Way in the Wilderness

Isaiah 11:1-10

Door 4: A Cow and a Bear Walk into a Bar
Door 6: A Time to Root Around

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Door 5: In Which I Go in Search of My Inner Savior

Romans 15:4-13

Advent 2: Blessing of Hope


There’s still time to join!
— ILLUMINATED 2019 ONLINE ADVENT RETREAT —

Intertwining reflections, art, music, and community, the Illuminated retreat is a great way to travel toward Christmas in contemplation and conversation from anywhere you are, in the way that works best for you. For info and registration, visit the overview page at Illuminated 2019 or click the Illuminated icon below:




If you’re hungry for an experience that draws you into the season without feeling like it’s one more thing to add to your schedule, this might just be for you.

Using Jan’s artwork
To use the image “Blessing the Way,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Advent Door possible. Advent special: During Advent, subscribe to Jan Richardson Images and receive unlimited digital downloads for use in worship for only $125 per year (regularly $165). Click here to subscribe.

Using Jan’s words
For worship services and related settings, you are welcome to use Jan’s blessings or other words from this site without requesting permission. All that’s needed is to acknowledge the source. Please include this info in a credit line: “© Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com.” For other uses, visit Copyright Permissions.