An Advent pilgrimage

23Dec
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
-Malachi 3:1-2


We have recently returned from an Advent pilgrimage to Scotland. Many friends wondered at our going to Scotland at such a cold and dark time of year. And yet, it was that very cold darkness that drew me to the journey. I wanted some time away of the immediacy of the Christmas rush so I could think about “who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?” I wanted to think on what all this liturgical season means to me.  


At the beginning of our journey we listened to a homily that spoke of the darkness of Advent, and how instead of it being a place to avoid, to consider that darkness can be enveloping, like a cocoon or womb, cozy and comforting; a place to rest our soul as we consider the coming light, the coming hope and joy of God with us. I liked that thought of the darkness being a safe place where we can consider and appreciate what Christ’s light means in our lives.  


On our journey the daylight hours were few and we often found ourselves after dark inside the walls of large churches and cathedrals, celebrating Eucharist, Evensong, musical concerts, or just silently meditating. I was drawn to the still dim light of those sanctuaries as they were welcoming havens of warmth in which to reflect on the wonder of God coming into our world to save us. It was a time to consider what this meant to me in my life.


The days are short and Christmas is almost upon us. How will we set aside the veil of darkness as we celebrate the birth of Christ, our redeemer? Perhaps this Advent has been a time of reflection or introspection for you about what exactly Christ’s birth means in your own life. For me it has been a reminder that with Christ’s coming comes also my part in His story; my part in sharing Christ’s good news in the world. It will soon be time to leave the cocoon, and as the days grow longer to remember the comfort of the darkness and the joy of the light that is, was, and forever will be with us. Who indeed can endure the day of His coming? 


O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and

rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be

our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray,

to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

-BCP

Pilgramage

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