Advent Journey II

Advent you are filled with

rich and interesting characters

and inviting winter darkness.

Rich and interesting characters

and inviting winter darkness

which awakens me,

calls me to who I am

and the light dawning within.

Prophets, seers, sages,

challenge me to see

the light I carry

and how I let it shine.

Darkness which enfolds me,

gently slows me down,

awakening me to truths

and wisdom needed.

Wise women and brave men

walk with me on this journey,

whispering to me their stories,

which are part of my own.

The darkness of this season

envelops around me like a gentle blanket

not laden with fear or worry

rather with hope, like a child in the womb.

Isaiah, Jeremiah and John the Baptist

declare what is coming

and what has already come;

I must take up what they have heralded.

Darkness creates a masterpiece,

my eyes adjusting to new ways

of seeing into my heart

and the stirring hope which enlightens it.

Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph

bravely walk to the tune of love

embracing your gifts, deciding to go with trust,

I too must do the same this season and life journey.

Darkness calms my busyness,

dances around my false dreams

calls me to listen, to listen deeply

to you, O God, you with us.

Advent your gifts are

rich and interesting characters

and inviting winter darkness,

reminding me I am not alone,

telling me to raise up my head

for new light is dawning

and I too have my part

in preparing the way.

Come O Come Emmanuel, 

be born in us again.

- inspired by the darkness to dawn of a winter morning prayer time and

the readings of the First Week of Advent.