Church –
Midway through Advent and I’m growing weary of longing.
I could use a break, a hiatus, from the practice of telling the truth about bad things.
I need a little Christmas, right this very minute, candles in the window, carols at the spinet
Is what I’m saying.
During seasons like Advent and Lent – seasons when I commit to a fast and a discipline of repentance and lament and longing for healing – I find that I come up against my own lack of stamina for such things. I don’t have the resilience and discipline and fervor I desire. And so to add insult to injury, I long for what I don’t have to long well.
Can you relate to this?
If so I have good news: this is some of the awareness – the work – Advent wants to do: to get us in touch with our lack, our need, our weaknesses so that we can meet Christ right there. So I invite you today to relate to your lack of rigor and vim (if that’s you) as a holy meeting place with God.
Let Christ love you right where you feel inadequate, like a C- Christian.
Beloved, this is the gift of God with us.
Maybe you are crushing Advent and that’s good too! But for those of us who are on the struggle bus lurching towards Christmas Day know this: God’s on that struggle bus with you.
Take a moment to breathe, to rest, to enjoy that our God meets us in love with no expectations, demands or judgements. That God in Christ is with us even now.
Learning to long with you for our collective deliverance –
Fr. Matt
