Advent reflections, week three

As we continue in our Advent pilgrimage, we pause in anticipation of the birth of Christ.

 

Each week, a reflection will be sent out (and posted on Facebook) that was written by one of our Worship & Music Committee members. We thank Pastor Jen for this week’s reflection

 

Also, you are invited to offer your own reflections, photos, etc. on the “word of the day” during this month. Here are this week’s words:

15) Celebrate

16) Preparation

17) Radiance

18) Promise

19) Community

20) Faith

21) Darkness

Advent reflections

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14

                  Matthew 1:18-25

Last week, our ladies of WELCA had their annual Christmas party at Camp Herrlich.  Always a wonderful time of fellowship, good food and laughter.  We paused amidst our meal and remembered the purpose of our gathering as we heard again the familiar words of the Christmas story (Luke 2) and sang Christmas songs.

As a part of this re-telling, we heard as well from the different “characters” in the story as people shared short reflections about what their chosen people (or thing) was thinking or experiencing in this time.  We heard from Jesus, Mary & Joseph, the angels, innkeeper and shepherds, and even the manger and the star.

Rather than just hearing the story, place yourself in its midst.  Who would you be?  What might you be thinking or feeling?  What does it mean that our God became flesh and lived among us?

We remember and celebrate Immanuel (God with us) as Jesus is born.  Where is Immanuel in your life today?  How might you bring the presence of God into the lives of others?

As a part of your reflections on these questions, I share with you a poem written by Ann Weems from her book, Kneeling in Bethlehem.  In her words, she invites us further into Advent and the Christmas story as we wait and watch and prepare.

In Search of Kneeling Places

In each heart lies a Bethlehem,

  An inn where we must ultimately answer

    Whether there is room or not.

When we are Bethlehem-bound

  We can no longer look the other way

     Conveniently not seeing stars

       Nor hearing angel voices.

We can no longer excuse ourselves by busily

   Tending our sheep or our kingdoms.

This Advent let’s go to Bethlehem

  And see this thing that the Lord has made known to us.

In the midst of the shopping sprees

  Let’s ponder in our hearts the Gift of Gifts.

Through the tinsel

  Let’s look for the gold of the Christmas star.

In the excitement and confusion, in the merry chaos,

  Let’s listen for the brush of angels’ wings.

This Advent, let’s go to Bethlehem

   And find our kneeling places.