Chris is hosting Spiritual Journey Thursday this month. She provided a one word prompt for us, "waiting" with a side of "hope".
I did not grow up in a spiritual tradition that observed Advent. But I'm interested in learning more from my friends. I've intentionally forced myself to "wait" to read your posts until I've written mine (with one exception). I did read Chris's post, our host for this month. What a gift Chris gave us with her lovely poems!
I read an article I found on the internet, "Three Characteristics of Advent Waiting" by Marina Berzins McCoy. Her explanation of the special ways that we wait during Advent was simple, to the point, and provided room for reflection: "1. Advent waiting is expectant. 2. Advent waiting requires making space. 3. Advent waiting is hopeful."
When Chris mentioned that she was reading Henry Nouwen's essay "Waiting for God" in the book Watch for the Light, I remembered that I had this book on my shelf of Christmas books. As I read Nouwen's essay, I was touched by his observation that all the people in the early pages of the gospel of Luke are waiting: Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, and Simeon and Anna. Mary and Elizabeth came together creating "...space for each other to wait." Nouwen goes on to say that he thinks of this coming together as "...the model of the Christian community. It is a community of support, celebration, and affirmation in which we can lift up what has already begun in us."
I feel blessed to participate in Spiritual Journey Thursday with a community of fellow believers. I am grateful for the support I feel in this community as we write together and explore spiritual topics each month. I celebrate our coming together and affirm that I always learn from each of you. And now I'm off to read your posts and learn more about waiting during this season of Advent. I'm sure to be lifted up!
Ramona, as you read the posts your concept of Advent will be broadened. I am struck by your humble thoughts this month and enlightened by #2 characteristic of Advent: Advent waiting requires making space. Advent opens the door to a month of waiting, We do need to make space for the reason for the season that supersedes the busyness of this month. May we all benefit from this time of sitting in silence as we wait.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these reflections on waiting!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to learn about Advent too...and to embrace the waiting!
ReplyDeleteRamona, thank you. I grew up with an advent tradition. My family had a wreath. It was plastic so we used it year to year. We had candles to mark the passing of each week and a candle "snuffer" that I loved! Each night, one of my parents would read from an advent booklet of reflections. It was the same book year after year and that provided a sense of steadiness in the waiting. I'm glad you are learning about advent. It's beautiful in its way. I'm still learning too--which is why my post literally waited until Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDelete