Dear Human is A Verb Community-
In this episode, I got to sit with pastor and theologian John Nielson to reflect on Advent as a season where joy and sorrow co-mingle. If you or anyone you know is experiencing grief in this season, this episode is for you (and them!).
If you’ve missed the other episodes, here they are:
Episode 1: Waiting Without Turning Away, David Young
Episode 2: I Got You: Preparing for Peace in the Wilderness, Mat Thomas
Episode 3: You See Me: Digging Out For Joy, Julene Tegerstrand
If these podcasts have meant something to you, would you share the series with someone you love? This series has been a labor of love, and it would mean a lot to me if the people you care about were also inspired by this work.
Peace,
Julene Tegerstrand
Show Notes:
Drawing on the Gospel of Matthew, the faithfulness of Joseph, and the wisdom of Julian of Norwich, this story-cast (a storied, podcast) explores what it means to lean in when life is disrupted. John shares his personal experience of loss and vocational upheaval following the closure of Eastern Nazarene College, and how God’s presence met him not through familiar practices, but through unexpected forms of support, community, and grace.
Together, Julene and John reflect on Advent as a season that holds joy and sorrow together — a season where cheerfulness can be the expectation, but presence is the deep need. From Julian’s vision of the hazelnut held in God’s hand to the promise of Emmanuel, God with us, this episode offers space to rest, breathe, and remember that nothing we carry is carried alone.
Themes explored in this episode:
Advent as a season for grief, love, and deep trust
Joseph’s obedience when his plans radically change
Julian of Norwich and the promise that “All shall be well.”
God’s nearness in seasons of loss and vocational disruption
Practices of remembrance and rest
Featured Scriptures & Voices
Matthew 1:18–25
Isaiah 7
Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love
Practice mentioned in the episode
Here is a link to the Advent practice inspired by Julian of Norwich, inviting you to hold a small object as a reminder that you are held by God. The practice was created for the Advent resource sponsored by the New England Church of the Nazarene.
About the Story-cast producer, host (That’s me!):
I’m a spiritual director and co-founder of Everyday Peacemaking, where I help people tend their inner lives and build practices of presence, compassion, and peace. I’m a curator of contemplative experience, pilgrimage, and community dialogue. I am currently taking new clients and can be contacted at julenet@everydaypeacemaking.org.
About the Guest:
John is the Pastor at Manchester Church of the Nazarene in Manchester, Connecticut. He was an Associate Professor in the Religion and Culture program at Eastern Nazarene College for seven years. He is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, a husband to Amy Nielson, and a father to three beautiful daughters.
