- December 11, 2019 Spirituality
Advent Reflection
by Sister Helen Flemington
The people who lived long before Christ from the far north suffered the loss of light and life with the disappearance of the sun. They had a way of wooing back life and hope. As the days grew shorter and colder and the sun threatened to abandon the earth, these ancient people suffered the sort of guilt and separation anxiety that we also know – missing the sun in the winter months.
Their solution was to bring all ordinary action and daily routine to a halt. They gave in to the nature of winter, came away from their fields and put away their tools. They removed the wheels from their carts and wagons, decorated them with greens and lights and brought them indoors to hang in their halls. They brought the wheels indoors as a sign of a different time, a time to stop and turn inward. They dealt with their feelings of cold and fear and loss. Slowly, slowly they wooed the sun god back. And light followed darkness. Morning came earlier. The festivals announced the return of hope after the stark darkness.
This kind of success—hauling the very sun back: the recovery of hope-can only be accomplished when we have had the courage to stop and wait and engage fully in the winter of dark longing. Perhaps the symbolism of those wheels that they made sacred has escaped us and we wish to think of our Advent wreaths as quaint customs or pretty decorations. Symbolism, however, can be very powerful in our lives. It bridges the gulf between knowing and believing. It can integrate our mind and heart. That is why traditional symbols of Advent and Christmas are so important to us. They help us get in touch with the deeper meaning of events and times.
That is why it is great that we have wreaths in our homes and churches. The wreaths with their four candles symbolize hope that the sun will return again, the Son of God, Jesus.
As Christmas approaches, we might ask where Jesus needs to be born today. What are the places in our own lives where Christ might be born—the areas that are neglected and hidden?
We are invited to discover the people, the places where we need to give welcome and hospitality, and where we need to give material support. We are invited to find those people who need our special care so Christ may be born in their lives.
Christmas is just a few days away—most of Advent is over. It is not too late to slow down and reflect on what is happening at this time of year. You are thinking that these last days are busier than ever for you and you don’t have time. Take time each day until Christmas, light a candle, turn off all the noise, close your eyes and get in touch with the deep spiritual message of these closing days of Advent.
In our congregation, we are searching for the light, the insight, and deep prayer as we move forward on our Advent journey and the liturgical year. Thank you, God, for showing us the path that you are placing us in these times.
Jesus, our savior, our hope, is waiting to be born again in us. And our lives will be changed forever.
ADVENT RESOURCES
Congregational Reflection Series
This summer, our congregation spent time creating a statement of future direction. One line from that statement really speaks to us as went enter into the season of Advent: *The world is waiting.* Follow the Advent reflection posts created by our sisters, associates, and friends of the provinces from across the congregation, who share how that phrase is speaking to them at this moment on our Facebook page. We'll be sharing their artwork and reflections each Monday and Wednesday through Christmas.
Racial and Cultural Justice Resource
Looking for a way to challenge yourself during Advent? Our Racial and Cultural Justice Committee has put together a fantastic resource containing four weeks of guided prayer, learnings and reflections on addressing racial and cultural biases. Click here for the booklet. Join us in this process of self-examination and expand your vision for a more just world. Thanks to Associate Jessica Mayo for leading this project.