This Advent, gather with us in this space. Take a moment to breathe, to read very short reflections, to consider the ties between this ancient tradition and the challenges and joys of our current situation. Please hit ‘subscribe’ to join us in the contemplative journey. To go deeper, try one of the Next Steps.

Oh come, Desire of nations, bind

In one the hearts of all mankind

Bid Thou our sad divisions cease

And be Thyself the King of Peace

Rejoice, Rejoice

Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel

—O Come O Come Emmanuel, Public Domain

Last night I ventured out in the cold rain to go to The Practice for the first Sunday of Advent. We sang O Come O Come Emmanuel, its haunting melody filling the chapel. We reflected in silence, the holy space offering a chance to breathe.

Advent is far more than a countdown to Christmas. The Latin adventus means “coming” and we anticipate the coming of Christ, as he did 2000 years ago, as he will in the future. And also, how he is coming into our hearts, lives, and actions right now.  It’s a time of waiting, of seeking. Traditionally, a time of reflection rather than hurry. The opposite of what it has become, perhaps.

Lately we’ve been aware of someone “coming”—a group of travelers, fleeing violence and poverty. The irony of a people coming and waiting during Advent,  journeying toward the hope of freedom, and yet being opposed and unwelcomed by so many, hit me as I sang, “bid Thou our sad divisions cease.”

Who comes? The King of Peace. As a helpless baby, born into poverty. So many who claim to be Christians follow a King of Strife, Fear and Division. They appear to have forgotten that Jesus called us to love our neighbors, and even to love those we consider enemies. We are called to be peacemakers. How? Jesus was clear: feed the hungry, visit the prisoners, welcome strangers.

How can we, this Advent, wage peace?

Next steps:

Listen to the hymn O Come O Come Emmanuel, listening for one word or phrase to make your prayer today.

Listen to the Practice podcast here.