Douglas McKelvey :: Stories of Leaning into Advent, Lament, and Living with Every Moment Holy

Today, I have the absolute pleasure of sharing my conversation with the one and only Douglas McKelvey. Douglas is a songwriter, author, and liturgy writer extraordinaire. I have never met someone like Douglas. His gift with words and passion for Christ cultivates a visceral invitation to be more present in this life, to find your fight again as you walk this weary way, and speaks to our hope of the next life with Jesus.

Douglas shares with me his story of what led him to Nashville, TN, his journey from songwriting to fiction writing, and the idea of unpacking his belief that every moment in this life is sacramental, and sometimes words can help us to be present. Thus, the birth of Every Moment Holy. There are now 3 volumes of Every Moment Holy, each unique in how they offer opportunities for us to be awake to the moments we are living in. Whether that is something as simple as waking up in the morning and enjoying a sunrise, something unique like beginning a novel, or the keeping of bees, holiday celebrations, to going on a trip, there is a liturgy for it in one of these volumes. Many of these liturgies, especially in volume two, also hold space for the hard and holy moments around grief and lament, and even for those facing the end of their life. I cannot begin to express how much many of these liturgies have ministered to me as we’ve walked through many losses, and the anniversary of losses, over the last few years.

As it is that time of year, Douglas and I also talk about how to embrace the season of advent,  which asks our hearts to prepare Christ room, but also to ask “Where is our hope?” as we wait for Jesus to come back again. He even blesses us with a reading of his “A Liturgy for the Start of the Christmas Season.” I hope all of this conversation serves as a blessing for you in this season. I hope it serves as an invitation to prepare Him room not just for now, but for always. And I hope and pray, it reminds you that you are not alone in this life, no matter how it may seem, and Jesus is coming back for us. You matter. Your story matters. Merry Christmas!

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Scripture References:

Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:36-Christ is the Lord over all 

Colossians 3:17-Whatever you do whether in word or deed

Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12- Being a living sacrifice 

Romans 8:22- Groaning and longing with creation 

Acts 2, Hebrews 10:19-25-The body of Christ in worship together

Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:7-13- 1 Timothy 4:14-, 1 Peter 4:10- We are given spiritual gifts and our gifts are for ministering 

Psalm 23:4- The valley of the shadow 

Psalm 91, Psalm 42, Psalm 55, Psalm 34- Psalms that express disappointment, fear, pain, heartbreak 

Lamentations 3:19-24-But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope… great is His faithfulness

Job 2:8-10- sitting on the ash heap

Job 13:15- Even so I believe you are faithful

Psalm 27:13-14- What would have become of me if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord? Wait for and hope for the Lord

Revelation 12:12-13- come quickly 

John 1:5- The light has come and pierced the darkness

Daniel 2:44, Revelation 11:15-  Jesus is the King who will set all things right and establish a dwelling place on earth that never ends

Revelation 21:4- He will wipe every tear from your eyes

Habbakuk 1:2-How long oh Lord will you make me look at violence 

Luke 22:19-20-The Lord’s Supper

1 Corinthians 13:12, Hebrews 10:1-5- We see now with veiled faces and a dim picture

Revelation 19:6-9-The marriage supper of the lamb

John 1 (14)- the MSG- “Jesus moves into the neighborhood”

Luke 1-3-The Christmas story 

Isaiah 9:6- The Prince of Peace

1 Corinthians 16:23- Jesus is waiting with open arms

References:

Charlie and Andi Peacok- The Art House

Mechanical royalties for songwriters 

Coram deo 

Leslie Bustard

“In the Garden” 

Odessa Settles

Andrew Peterson 

Every Moment Holy Volume 1

Rabbit Room Press

“Liturgy for the Ritual of Morning Coffee”

Every Moment Holy: Death, Grief and Hope Volume 2

Ned Bustard 

Examples of the cries of the Psalmists are “alive to the hope and alive to the heartache” 

My personal favorite reel of the insanity of December 

Every Moment Holy: The Work of the People Volume 3

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