Practically Speaking: Darkness

Advent and Lent make peculiar seasons. But, we are a peculiar people. One candle is lit for each of the four weeks of Advent, building a glorious crescendo to Christmas Day. "Arise, shine, for your light has come..." 

Lent can begin with seven lit candles for the upcoming seven weeks. As each week passes, one less candle is lit. Total darkness comes on Good Friday, with the brightest light on Easter morn. How rarely I let myself ponder darkness, not to mention be enveloped.

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." Genesis 1:1-2

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:55

"To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’" Acts 26:18

"The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light." Romans 13:12

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." I Peter 2:9

Living in the Now: Making Time for Advent

Finding your own tradition for making this a meaningful season of Advent can be fresh, old, or adapted each year. God is very-present, and this is a wonderful way to worship Him in this season. Check out this link for great family ideas!

Living in the Now: Waiting

His words are kisses, his kisses words. Everything about him delights me, thrills me through and through! That's my lover, that's my man, dear Jerusalem sisters. 

Song of Solomon 5:10, The Message

Seeing the first Christmas lights of the season "in the bleak midwinter" night, I was thrilled to my very soul. I forgot I was waiting for those first lights. Waiting, waiting, waiting. I remembered what it was like to wait for my sweetie, waiting for a sweet kiss. Waiting, waiting, waiting. 

And it occurred to me that Advent waiting is rather romantic. Waiting for the perfect moment to celebrate. In full faith, knowing He is coming. Knowing I can hardly wait. Counting the days until we're together again. Watching for any sign that He remembers me. Waiting makes the celebration all the more sacred. Waiting for my Lover's coming. Knowing He will come back to me. Knowing the very thrill that His presence brings to my soul. Knowing I've waited my whole life for this. Yes, Advent is rather romantic.

Living in the Now: Waiting and Listening

As I'm in the midst of this Advent season, I'm creating space to be in God's presence fully--as in, rested, alert, and fully present. I'm a bit like the disciples who kept falling asleep in the garden, who physically weren't ready for the battle. I bet their hands were full with working several jobs, juggling a house full of sons and daughters, keeping up with festivals down at the synagogue, and planning for the future. I'm pretty sure they were a lot like me. After a heavy meal, they couldn't keep their eyes open in the peace and quiet of the garden. They were literally sleep walking. Me too. 

Practically, I'm going to bed earlier. Emotionally, I'm shutting off electronics and "people" earlier in the evening (one day, I promise to return your email). Spiritually, I'm simplifying what surrounds me, and what I allow to distract me from the Shepherd's voice. I'm waiting and listening. And staying awake a little bit longer.

Practically Preparing

Thunder in the desert!
   "Prepare for God's arrival!
Make the road straight and smooth,
   a highway fit for our God.
Fill in the valleys,
   level off the hills,
Smooth out the ruts,
   clear out the rocks.
Then God's bright glory will shine
   and everyone will see it.
   Yes. Just as God has said.

Isiah 40:3, The Message

The last two days have been partly spent gathering up all our boxed Christmas decorations, and gathering my wits for the upcoming celebrations. Preparing. I'm finding what is where. I'm washing Christmas linens. I'm pulling cards out of storage from last year's sale. I'm checking for any supplies that are needed. I'm picturing what is to come. I'm hoping. Then I'm boxing everything back up into storage. I'm waiting.

On Christmas eve, we will pull out these boxes and put up all of our decorations--tree, lights, candles, mugs, EVERYTHING. Last year, since the little man was so little, he woke up the next morning to a decorated house. This year, he will help us. I can't wait. 

There is such a peace of mind knowing that when the time comes, I'm prepared to celebrate. The desire is huge. Even preparing takes time, clarity, and simplifying. It makes me hungry for that feast!

Living in the Now: Rethinking tradition

Because of very different family traditions during the Christmas season, my sweetie and I have had some major upheaval in finding compromise. Hot tears, heavy angst. Your imagination can fill in the details.

Being good Anglicans, although thickheaded, it sank in that Advent is traditionally separate from Christmas. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas day (November 27 this year). Advent marks the beginning of the church calendar. Advent is often marked as a time of fasting, waiting, preparing, and creating space for a deeper relationship with God. 

Christmas begins on December 25th.

By letting both seasons stand separately, we've found a much more rich season of simplicity. This is our third season separating the seasons, and again, we're finding rest, preparedness, and excitement. Waiting is hard, and does not come naturally to my immature spirit. Which is a good reason to practice.