Advent 2

I think of Godspell when I get to this point every Advent. That wonderful beginning where the shofar sounds and the clear voice of John comes out of the darkness singing "Prepare ye the way of the Lord." I love this musical. I love the theology of the ordinary people doing ordinary things, and then putting on their happy clothes for the coming of the Messiah. How do we prepare a way in the wilderness of our everyday lives? Do we put on our glad rags? Or do we sigh with impatience and anger at the crowds and commercialism. As someone who once was an engineer I know that a lot of work, thought and planning go into building a road. Work, careful thought and planning should be part of building a way in the wilderness for the coming of the Messiah into our lives.

Advent

Crickhollow Advent

Here in the Virginia hill country, we are keeping a quiet and patient Advent. It isn't easy not to be caught up in the crazyness of the season, but pacing ourselves with one candle at a time helps. We are keeping a simple Christmas this year and an intentional Adventtide leading up to it. This will be our first winter at Crickhollow, our home in the forested hills. The rhythms of seasonal change wrap themselves around us. The snakes have gone underground, and the mosquitoes and ticks are gone. The bare trees bring new vistas into our sight. We wear orange vests when we walk in the woods, even though the land is posted. You can't be too careful out here. And so we wait in the dark for the coming of the light. Come Lord Jesus!

Credo

Although attending a Credo conference in Florida in September may not have been the best idea (it is hot but at least it is humid) the equinox seemed a good time to look for balance in my life. I have walked the beautiful labyrinths at Duncan Conference Center and listened to great presentations by the Credo faculty. Now the hard work of discernment and setting achievable goals begins...