Advent Adventure

It is December 1 as I write even if I may not post this for a while. We have begun the sacred time of Advent that leads us to the welcoming of the baby Jesus. In this time of anticipation on the Christian calendar there are four messages to consider: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace, described below in my words.

HOPE–that eternally optimistic belief in a promising future

LOVE–the warmth and closeness of trust and protection and connection

JOY–an effervescent feeling of uplifted brightness

PEACE–comfort and contentment in the heart, mind and soul

We think of Advent as a time of preparation. We are to open our hearts to all of the above and more.

“What will come to me during Advent?” We might ask.

“What will I bring to Advent?” We also might ask.

This image is especially true in one of my favorite poem-carols featuring the tender words of Christina Rossetti:

IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER

In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen
Snow on snow on snow
In the bleak midwinter
Long, long ago
Angels and Arc Angels
May have traveled there
Cherubim and Seraphim
Thronged the air
But only his Mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshiped the beloved
With a kiss
What can I give him?
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would give a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
But what I can I give him
Give him my heart
Give him my heart…AMEN