Wandering, wondering

From the beginning of literature, poets and writers have based their narratives on crossing borders, on wandering, on exile, on encounters beyond the familiar. 
–Jhumpa Lahiri


Welcome to Advent, the season during which we ponder and wait. A time when the world seems to pick up speed; yet as Christians, we yearn to slow down, to remember again the world-changing events of over 2000 years ago. On the first Sunday of Advent we will light the candle of prophecy and hope.

The story begins in a manger or stable—or does it? Prophets like Malachi, Isaiah and Zechariah told of the Messiah, the one to come, thousands of years before a virgin named Mary was visited by an angel named Gabriel. Ours is an ancient story.

Ours is a story of longing and unrest, of rescue from exile. As we begin the journey again, that slow, deliberate journey to Bethlehem, we remember and weep with those women who lost their young children at the hands of a murderous king. We gaze in awestruck wonder into the face of a Child who will be called the Prince of Peace, before whom even kings will bow down in humility. With the shepherds, we proclaim the news that the Light of the World has come.

Rest. Relax. Abide in the presence of Emmanuel, God-With-Us. Don’t rush this journey. Christmas will come in due time.

Monday Take an electronics break today. Shut off the phone, fire down the computer and ignore the Fitbit. Enjoy the quiet. Consider journalling. Isaiah 2:3

Tuesday Look for a spot of beauty that’s out of place in the wintry landscape: a tenacious flower poking through the snow, an intrepid animal finding its way. Psalm 27:4

Wednesday When was the last time . . . you made a blanket hideaway? Find a place to escape for a while. Proverbs 2:1-5

Thursday Take a seat across a table from someone you care about. Hold hands, or take their face in your hands, and talk. Really talk. 1 Corinthians 2:9

Friday Pray for someone across the political spectrum from you. Try very hard to mean it. Listen for God’s voice, as well. Proverbs 25:21-22

Saturday Make a list of things that give you hope, in spite of your circumstance. Give thanks—and share that list. Psalm 147:11

Sunday Take a few minutes today to pray for young parents in your circle. (They don’t need to know.) Consider offering to give them an hour of your time, whether to listen or babysit. Proverbs 22:6


Is there something we have forgotten? Some precious thing we have lost, wandering in strange lands? –Arna Bontemps

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