Are you ready for Advent yet? How will you wait, watch, repent and rejoice in the coming season? If you’re looking for spiritual guides this Advent, look no further than our newest devotional, Gospel Voices. Each week of devotions offers a deep exploration of one gospel writer’s perspective on the coming of Christ, weaving together scripture, reflection, prayer, and action.
Earlier on the blog, we met two of the four authors for this devotional. This week, we welcome one more: Jerusalem Jackson Greer (our guide for Luke). Learn more about Jerusalem below, and don’t forget to order your copy of Gospel Voices from the Forward Movement website!
Jerusalem Jackson Greer is the Co-Executive Director and Minister for Creation Care and Discipleship at the Procter Center in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, where she lives with her husband Nathan (the other co-ED), and their dogs Minnie Pearl and Martha Stewart.
How did you get started as a writer?
Jerusalem: I have been writing as long as I can remember, but my first book was called A Homemade Year: The Blessings of Cooking, Crafting, and Coming Together. I like to say it is Martha Stewart-for-Jesus kind of book. There are stories, recipes, crafts, and beautiful images – all built around the liturgical calendar.
What was the most enjoyable part of the writing process?
Jerusalem: The most enjoyable part is when you hit what I call “the flow” – when the words just pour out so fast your fingers can’t even keep up, and they actually make sense – when you say something you believe or know to be true deep in your gut, but you have never really articulated before, then BOOM – there it is, on the page.What about the most difficult part?
Jerusalem: Starting. Finishing. Beginnings and endings – how to wrap it up – are always the hardest for me. I tend to be very productive in other parts of my life when I have a deadline looming.
Where do you typically write?
Jerusalem: On my couch or bed with Martha Stewart the dog next to me. Sometimes the kitchen table while Nathan makes dinner.
Who is your favorite gospel writer – and why?
Jerusalem: Luke. Because Luke is all about a present salvation. Luke’s perspective reminds us what it is Jesus is saving us from and to – and that salvation isn’t a means to an end. It is a gift in real-time.
Do you have a favorite Advent or Christmas tradition?
Jerusalem: I am an Advent super-fan, so there are many. But this year we will host our 4th annual Foraging for Advent Event here at Procter, and I have to say it’s quickly become the start of the season for me. We invite folks to come to camp and to forage for all the supplies they need to make an Advent wreath – greenery, berries, pinecones, sticks, feathers – whatever they can forage for. Then we spend time in community making the wreaths and rolling beeswax candles, drinking hot chocolate, and eating homemade cookies. And we bless the wreaths, which I think is just lovely. It helps start the season off with beauty and intention, connecting our faith to our experience as a member of Creation.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Jerusalem: I think Advent is a bittersweet season overall. It’s the almost-not-yet season. I like to remind people that it’s okay to lean into that. You don’t have to jolly that longing for wholeness away. It’s okay to sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel with a broken heart. It doesn’t take away from the magic and holiness of Christmas. It prepares us for the miracle of Christ’s birth.
To learn more about this book or purchase a copy, visit our website.