Advent is the season in the liturgical year which precedes Christmas. It is a season of preparation and anticipation, of listening and openness.
Listen:
John’s Gospel says that “In the beginning was the Word,” and that “the Word became flesh and lived among us.”
Listen:
People traveled to seek advice from early Christian monastics, the Desert Mothers and Fathers, who were known for the depth of their spiritual wisdom. They would ask, “Amma, give me a word,” or, “Abba, give me a word.” The words they received offered wisdom from the experience of the monastics for the way people lived their lives.
The people who asked for the words came openly and intentionally seeking wisdom, and anticipated hearing words of truth and significance. They came expecting to hear words that would change their lives. The words they received, if they were open to them, would do that.
Listen:
I have friends who belong to churches where part of their worship each week is to ask, “Does anyone have a word?” Members of the congregation who have received a word will share it, and those for whom it is intended will receive it. Again, people come with a sense of anticipation and openness, willing to hear a word that is shared.
People have shared with me words that they have received for me. I have received words myself, for myself and to share with others. If I am open, those words can change my life.
Listen:
It can become easy for us to miss the “words” that are meant for us. We may not be open, or may not trust the messenger who brings a word to us. We may not be anticipating the possibilities, and miss the depth and the meaning of words that have the potential to change our lives. We may miss the power of the words that have become flesh and live among us today.
What word are you anticipating? Are you listening?
[Image by Pleuntje]
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