Slowing Down at Advent

Dear Members of the Parish,

The Season of Advent has begun and so has a new Church Year. As of today, we have 23 days before Christmas Eve. This is not a time to panic and feel stress, but a time to try and slow down our daily pace and take a few minutes to ponder the Season. Below you will see some suggestions for the Second Week of Advent. There are also many on-line resources that you can use at your computer at the start of your day or when you need a break in the middle of your day. One comes from Trinity Church, Wall Street and offers an on-line Advent Calendar of Hope with a contemporary story and then some scripture on the flip side. Each scripture reading is accompanied by some lovely music of the season. The web site is: http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/news/features/2009-advent-calendar

There is another great one that allows you to choose silence or music as you go through the devotional: http://www.d365.org/todaysdevotion/

It begins with the Presence of God: "It seems so hard during this time of year to slow down. It's even harder simply to stop and give this season of preparation a chance to seep into our souls. But in just these few moments, take the time to be still, listen, and respond to the God who is preparing your heart."

Then it moves to The Word of God: "It shall be said,

“Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.” For thus says the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with those who are contrite and humble in spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite." (Isaiah 57:14-15)

Then a reflection: "When these words were first written, the Israelites were emerging from a very difficult time. A generation before, the Israelites had been conquered by the Babylonians. Many of them had been sent to Babylonia, far from their homes and the temple where they worshiped. Most Israelites viewed this time in exile as punishment from God for their disbelief and disobedience. In this passage, the Israelites had returned to Jerusalem and they were starting to rebuild their lives.

But “Build up, prepare the way” does not refer to rebuilding their city. Instead, it refers to the work of rebuilding their spiritual lives, a work they could not do alone. Isaiah tells us that God dwells not only in heaven, but with those who are humble and apologetic. No matter what we have done or how far we have fallen, if we, like Israel, confess our failures and turn again to God, God will revive our hearts and our spirits. If we prepare the way in our own hearts, God will indeed come. That’s a powerful Advent promise." (Tracy Hartman)

Then, a conversation with God: "Prepare to pray: Sometimes we find ourselves in the middle of difficult circumstances through no fault of our own. But other times we find ourselves in dark times because of our own poor choices. Take a moment to be still and to get honest with yourself and God about choices that have left you feeling exiled. Being humble and apologetic means confessing these to God, saying you are sorry, and asking for God’s forgiveness.

God, I want you to remove every obstruction and to prepare the way for my heart to receive you this Advent season. Today I confess (enter your own words here). I am sorry God, and ask for your forgiveness. In humility, I invite you to dwell in me anew, and I ask you to revive my spirit and my heart. Thank you for the promise of your coming, Amen."

Finally, a Benediction: "In the stillness of a moment, be aware that God is near.

Still your heart and mind to hear, and know that in the darkest night, God is bringing you the Light, is making the way to come to you. Amen."

Whatever you do this Advent Season, may the peace of God, the light of God, and the love of God lead you in paths of perfect peace.

Faithfully,

Miriam

Second Week of Advent

O Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace,
come and save your people.
Joy of every heart,
Strength of those who are poor,
come quickly to help us.

Prince of Peace,
teach the lion and the little lamb,
teach the cat and the mouse,
the the hawk and the tiny bird,
teach everyone who doesn't get along
to live in peace.