Today the wait is over. Our time of preparation and waiting is done. We have crossed the threshold of another Advent season. No matter if we are ready or not, it is time for our holy wonder at a holy birth. We are at the end of predetermined travel of twenty-two days (that’s just what the calendar set for advent this year).
As often happens to me when I return home after a long trip, feelings of joy and sorrow mingle within. On the one hand, I am deeply grateful for the journey. Once again, my eyes have seen wonders that my heart will remember. I’ve gained insight and glimpses of a wider world. My spirit feels more connected to the bigger picture. I’ve learned and grown if just a bit. The gift of the travel has made in me something that is more. There is also a sadness that is present. Although I am glad to be home and to sleep in my bed, I am sad for the journey itself to come to an end. Even with the experience and memories now a part of my story, to return to the normal routine seems anticlimactic. No more insights remain on the trail for us to uncover.
But wait! Does the journey really need to end? Sure, this church season of Advent concludes today as we cross this liturgical threshold for another year. But must we end our Advent journey? What if we still have part of our heart remaining on the trail of waiting? What if our lives are still in transition? What if we are still yearning for clarity and “Ah-Ha?” What if we are not ready to celebrate the birth of Christ and wonder at his manger as the shepherds and magi have done before?
The ending of threshold trekking, like much of the journey, is out of our hands. We finish today this season because – like it or not – the trip is ultimately beyond our control. Larger forces are in play and we must recognize their presence. There is a need for humble adoration. There is a need for us to bow low at a manger and honor the child within. It is time for our spirits to rest – if just for a moment – and wonder. Wonder, how can such things be? How can the Creator of the whole cosmos be so infatuated with humanity to come and join our struggle? How can God love me so much never to leave my side? How can such precious gifts of divine forgiveness, grace, and mercy be mine? Wonder. I wonder as we stop our wandering for a moment.
On the other side of our Christmas celebrations and wonder, the journey will continue. There are still other thresholds that we must cross. More insights – most unimaginable – remain along the paths ahead that we have yet to traverse. Thresholds beyond thresholds await for our discovery. More to learn and grow as we venture with God. So goes this life and the truth that we are all travelers on its trails.
Silent Prayer:
Find a comfortable place to sit. Set your phone or watch for twenty-two minutes. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. As thoughts come to your mind – push them aside. Now is not the time. Trust in God to hold your life without needing to control it with our thoughts or actions. At the end of your time – say a simple “thank you” or “Amen.” Consider the time spent in silent prayer as a final Advent gift – an opportunity to enter into God’s shalom/peace.
Today’s Silent Prayer Goal – Twenty-Two minutes
If the challenge of twenty-two minutes of silence seems to be just too much, especially on such a busy day then take as much time as you are able. The length of time spent in silent prayer is not as important as the practice itself so give yourself the permission to do it for as long as works for you.
Scripture: Luke 2:15-16
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.
Thank You
As I finish this blog, I want to share my thanks and appreciation to all my readers. Thank you for taking the time to read, like, share, and comment on my work. I wish you a Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year.
In Christ,
Walt