Adventing Poorly

Lord, we advent poorly.

We do okay with going

Going to church

Going to school

Going to work

Going to parties

Going, going, going

This, we do well. 

But coming requires less

and more

and we do it poorly.

Coming to the foot of the cross in prayer

Coming to the aid of those who need it

Coming to the realization that we cannot do it all

Coming... implies leaving

And we're not entirely sure we want to leave

the comfort

the freedom to do what we want when we want to

the status

the self importance

the hustle and bustle

the bright lights

for what feels like darkness

cold

silence

and unfulfilled longing.

And so we advent poorly

Trying to to come

while going, going, going

Trying to see the star of Bethlehem

amid the pollution of lights

Trying to hear the still small voice

between the notes of blaring carols

Trying to give enough to feel good

while still remaining wealthy

and comfortable

and un-inconvenienced.

Lord, help us advent poorly

As you did,

giving up everything

for those who have nothing

emptying ourselves

our pockets

our calendars

so we can pour into others

bearing your light

your love

your Word

to those who long to be filled.

Amen

Happy New (Church) Year!

Today marks a new week, a new season, a new year, a new bracelet. Today is the first day of Advent, and I'm having a hard time being still. Even when my body is still, my mind is racing. My aim for this season of Advent is peace and calm. But already I know the season brings busyness, because I can already see what the calendar looks like. And so, I am working on ways to cultivate peace in this season. Here are some thoughts:

• Curate an ADVENT playlist that brings my heart to a place of quiet longing.
• Live in the rhythms of sunrise and sunset, taking cues from nature for when to be still.
• Anticipate the needs of my family and plan meals, including shopping, prep, and cooking time. 
• Complete my work intentionally AT WORK, not bringing it home to complete in the evenings.
• Play games with my family in the evenings.
• Read by candlelight in the evenings.

This year we are going to try lighting only the advent wreath during the week, and only the advent wreath and other candles on Sundays. The Christmas lights are up with all the decorations, but we will not turn them on until Christmas Eve, thus leaning into the feeling of darkness and anticipation. And then... fiat lux! Christmas bursts forth with glorious splendor as we celebrate the Light of the World!