"A root shall come from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of its roots,
The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of the knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord." - Isaiah 11:1-3
CHRIST'S COMING
IN THE MIDST OF OUR BROKEN WORLD
AS WE CELEBRATE THE ADVENT SEASON
I am reminded of powerful words of the late Henri Nouwen
from"Gracias! A Latin American Journal" that have always helped me focus my attention
on the what is really the heart of the liturgical season.
"I keep expecting loud and impressive events
to convince me and others of God saving power...
Our temptation is to be distracted by them...
When I have no eyes for the small signs
of God's presence - the smile of a baby,
the carefree play of children, the words
of encouragement and gestures of love
offered by friends - I will always
remain tempted to despair.
The small child of Bethlehem, the unknown
man of Nazareth, the rejected preacher,
the naked man on the cross,
he asks for my attention.
The work of our salvation takes place
in a world that continues to shout,
scream, and overwhelm us with
its claims and promises."
AS WE MOVE ON TO THE ADVENT WEEKS,
MAY OUR EYES AND MINDS BE SHIELDED
FROM THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF EMPTY PROMISES AROUND US.
RATHER, MAY OUR HEARTS BE FOCUSED
ON THE PROMISE OF GENUINE HOPE AND LIFE
FROM A LOVING AND COMPASSIONATE GOD,
WHO CHOSE TO BE BORN IN THE POOR STABLE OF BETHLEHEM
AND WHO CHOSE TO DWELL AND LIVE WITH US
IN OUR BROKEN WORLD!
LET US OPEN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS
AND BE PREPARED FOR HIS COMING!
