"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, And Ransom Captive Israel..."
One of my favourite Advent hymns is O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. And how appropriate that hymn seems right now! In so many conversations lately I hear people asking how we are to live in the messiness, discomfort, and unknown of our current lives. How to wait on God in the midst of the chaos. "Come, Lord Jesus," we say.
There is a name for this unknown time - it's called liminal space. An in-between time. A place between places. Some of the characteristics of a liminal space are that it's completely unknown, it's disorienting, it's often painful and scary, and it leads us into something new.
The people of God are not unfamiliar with this kind of space. The Israelites wandered in the in-between space of the desert for 40 years. The disciples navigated the darkness and grief between Good Friday and Easter morning. And since Christ's ascension, the church has been waiting for his return.
Often our question in the confusion of that space is voiced in the Psalmist's question, "How long, Lord?" But another question we can ask is, "How shall I be while I wait, Lord?"
Because another characteristic of the liminal spaces is that they shape us. They form us into the people God wants us to be. I'm not talking about pulling up your socks, gritting your teeth, and becoming a better person. I'm talking about how your soul is lovingly shaped by the Potter, even (and especially) when you feel messy and disoriented. This Advent, as the season invites us to slow down and wait for the coming Emmanuel, let's consider asking, "How shall I be in the midst of this in-between time, Lord?"
O Come, Emmanuel. And while we wait for you, shape us gently.
There is a name for this unknown time - it's called liminal space. An in-between time. A place between places. Some of the characteristics of a liminal space are that it's completely unknown, it's disorienting, it's often painful and scary, and it leads us into something new.
The people of God are not unfamiliar with this kind of space. The Israelites wandered in the in-between space of the desert for 40 years. The disciples navigated the darkness and grief between Good Friday and Easter morning. And since Christ's ascension, the church has been waiting for his return.
Often our question in the confusion of that space is voiced in the Psalmist's question, "How long, Lord?" But another question we can ask is, "How shall I be while I wait, Lord?"
Because another characteristic of the liminal spaces is that they shape us. They form us into the people God wants us to be. I'm not talking about pulling up your socks, gritting your teeth, and becoming a better person. I'm talking about how your soul is lovingly shaped by the Potter, even (and especially) when you feel messy and disoriented. This Advent, as the season invites us to slow down and wait for the coming Emmanuel, let's consider asking, "How shall I be in the midst of this in-between time, Lord?"
O Come, Emmanuel. And while we wait for you, shape us gently.
|
"Merry Mercy" Advent Kit.
We know Christmas is about more than making merry. The “Merry Mercy Christmas” family Advent kit takes a step beyond merry, into mercy. Through four weeks of Advent, this box guides families through interactive devotions to build family relationships and strengthen spiritual growth through simple activities and conversations. Families also create gifts each week to be delivered to someone experiencing need at Christmas. Check it out HERE. |
|
Are you still looking for meaningful Christmas gifts?
Give the gift of hope this Christmas! This year, due to the global pandemic that has swept across the world, our missionaries and partners are bringing to our attention even more humanitarian needs than ever. You can help support people in need around the world, AND give a meaningful Christmas gift at the same time. Consider donating toward a variety of needs, including: animals for families and farmers, victims of human trafficking, basic necessities, education & empowerment... and more. Check it out here: https://giftofhope.rca.org/ |
|
|
Jesse Tree Kit for Advent and Christmas
The Jesse Tree is a way of preparing for Advent and Christmas by journeying through the stories on Jesus’s family tree. Each day of Advent, read a Bible story about someone on Jesus’s family tree and hang an ornament symbolizing the story on your Jesse Tree. As you decorate your tree, you’ll see how God prepared for Jesus to be born through many generations. Check it out here: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/ |
|
New Year, New Bible Reading Plan.
The coming of Advent also begins a new year in the Lectionary, so the reading plan, At Home with the Word has also been updated. This is a daily reading schedule that corresponds to the lectionary. If your church follows the lectionary for Sunday sermons, it's a great way to read along! |
|