Monday, November 30, 2015

Through Stained Glass: Advent--promise

Advent is upon us.

The paraments (or the cloths that hang on the pulpit and drape the communion table) have been changed from green to purple.

Purple—the color of advent is used because purple means royalty.

We drape ourselves with purple stoles as a sign that says “we are preparing for the Royal One to return.”  Of course this is the Christ child.

Advent is four weeks long. A week or so shorter than Lent.

Lent is most often known for the season where we give up that which may be a vice to us. During Lent, many commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxuries as a form of penitence. Many Christians also add a Lenten spiritual discipline, such as reading a daily devotional, to draw themselves near to God.

What about Advent?

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “visit.” In the season with this name, we keep in mind both “advents” of Christ, the first in Bethlehem and the second yet to come.

But what if Advent was a bit more…accessible than that? What if the second coming is something we are waiting for and participating in at the same time?

What if Christ’s coming again happens every time an act of justice occurs or loved is expressed between people or people and the earth?

What if Advent is in itself a reminder that God is still with us and that we need not look any further than within ourselves?

What if we participate in Advent this year with the understanding that we aren’t waiting for God to show up but instead we are waiting to show up for God?

What if this season of Advent instead of wondering where God is in the midst of these dark days…

                        What if
                                    We
                                                Wander with the wonder God sees us with?

What

If

Advent

Is less

About
                        God
                                                Coming
                                                                        To
                                                                                    Us
                                                                        And
                                                More
                        About
Us

Coming alive to the divine in all things…

And…

Subsequently…

In
            All
                        Persons?

Advent is upon us.

It isn’t a season simply about being optimistic.

Instead, it is a way of life—a hopeful way of living.

“Advent is rooted in promise, the promise that makes hope a way of life for God's people.”

After all, hope is the thing with feathers…


                                                                        I can promise you that.