7 December 2008

Greetings Friends,

Now that the second week of Advent is upon us, we’re most likely in full swing of our time of preparation – preparing outwardly still for Christmas. How far on our list of “to dos” are we? Are we “on schedule” or are we thinking we won’t get everything done? Have we allowed our lists and busyness to become such a priority that we find or allow ourselves little time to truly prepare our hearts? I have to admit that’s a very common thing I struggle with each Advent. It’s so easy to get caught up in the mindset of having to get everything done – on time and perfectly.

And yet, our readings this weekend (Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8) again remind us to prepare and to wait . “Prepare the way of the Lord”, the time is coming; the time is near. During these weeks of Advent, we are invited to ponder just what it is we’re waiting for, and how we can prepare ourselves – our hearts and minds and spirits – for the coming of the Light that breaks through all darkness. What is it that truly matters? It is God’s deep and constant Love. Knowing that and believing that prompts us to ask ourselves, what does God’s love mean to me and what does God’s love ask of me in response? Only we can answer for ourselves.

These questions posed may feel uneasy to think about – sometimes we just don’t want to go there and discern those answers. Still, if we truly want to prepare the way of our hearts for the Lord, get ourselves ready to receive anew the greatest gift of Christmas, our Advent journey and preparation calls us toward inner reflection on these things.

May we know without a doubt that wherever our Advent preparations take us, God is there – in front, behind, and along side of us – every step of the way.

Peace on the Journey