Friday Five from RevGalBlogPals: Can you believe that in two days we'll be halfway through Advent? Gaudete Sunday: pink candle on the advent wreath, rose vestments for those who have them, concerts and pageants in many congregations. Time to rejoice!
Rejoice in the nearness of Christ's coming, yes, but also in the many gifts of the pregnant waiting time when the world (in the northern hemisphere, at least) spins ever deeper into sweet, fertile darkness.
What makes you rejoice about:
Boy, it's a lot easier for me to think about what I don't like about these!
1. Waiting? I like the calm of waiting.
2. Darkness? I used to live in Cleveland, Ohio where in December darkness began around 4:30. I loved the Christmas lights shining in those long, dark nights. I went riding about a couple of nights ago looking at Christmas lights here. I really love to see the different decorations ranging from the really humorous to the elegant.
3. Winter? I like the snuggly parts of winter: wrapped up in fleece and sipping hot chocolate. (No fire here, I don't want to clean my fireplace and I hate artificial logs and besides I really like pointsettias in my fireplace.) When I was in Cleveland, I loved the crinkly snow when I could go cross country skiing at night. The favorite place was a local country club. With the snow reflecting whatever light there was, there was enough light to see to ski. It was so quiet and usually there wasn't much wind. It was magical! Or skiing in one of the state parks. There were long curvy downhills that I'd never make and then I'd have to untangle myself and try to stand up. It was always good for a laugh.
4. Advent? I love the idea of Advent. Preparation, quiet, wondering, waiting.
5. Jesus' coming? Again, I love the idea of Jesus' coming: peace, enough for all, justice. Hmmm, I'm not so sure the reality is one I'm totally comfortable with. What will I give up? Privilege, power, prestige. It's like much of what I struggle with. Yes, I'll use compact florescent bulbs, but don't ask me to give up air travel. I'll walk when it's comfortable, but don't ask me to walk in the cold, rain. I'll give money to feed the hungry, house the homeless. I'll even work for Habitat for Humanity, but don't ask me to give all my money away. Not very impressive for a preacher, is it?
5 comments:
Love your number 5...honest and forthright and where we mostly are when it comes right down to it!
Thanks! Yep, I struggle with this. I fall so short of where I ought to be. I pray (but not too hard) that God will give me grace to live up to God's calling.
I needed to hear #5. Thanks (I think). Sigh.
Very honest, and that is half the battle, jc.
Thanks. I think honesty can even be a way to hide. I mean, after all, if I am honest about it, then that's good, yes? And then I don't have to try so hard to change.
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