12.14.2007

Advent Friday Five: Rejoice!

This week's Friday Five comes from Bishop Laura.

Can you believe that in two days we'll be halfway through Advent? Gaudete Sunday: pink candle on the advent wreath, rose vestments for those who have them, concerts and pageants in many congregations. Time to rejoice!
Rejoice in the nearness of Christ's coming, yes, but also in the many gifts of the pregnant waiting time when the world (in the northern hemisphere, at least) spins ever deeper into sweet, fertile darkness.
What makes you rejoice about:

1. Waiting?
The pregnant, Advent kind of waiting is so connected to expectation to me. It's not an "if" kind of waiting, it's a "when." The comfort and joy of waiting in Advent is that there are promises attached. This year, I'm very grateful for that.

2. Darkness?
I'm not sure how to rejoice in this one, I really struggle with winter. I love the beauty of midnight mass, and I'm even enjoying my candlelit quiet times, but I really long for the light. (Maybe that could be a useful focus during quiet times, now that I think about it.)

3. Winter?
Guys, I feel cooped up and cramped and not at all myself this time of year. I'm so glad Bp. Laura asked how we rejoice in this, though. Maybe it's something to think about this week.

4. Advent?
Despite all my sniveling about the season, Advent is my favorite part of the liturgical year. I love the waiting. I love the readings from Isaiah (my favorite book, at the moment). I love Lessons and Carols. It's just a gorgeous season to me.

5. Jesus' coming?
Well, thank heavens. I can't tell you how relieved I am by the incarnation lately. I can't do a darn thing on my own-- I'm ridiculously grateful that Jesus loves us, and shows us how to be. (If I could only figure out what the heck he means...)

12 comments:

  1. (((Oh, Mrs. M))) I hear you loud and clear, my dear! Especially regarding that Incarnation business...some days more than others on that what he means part, too. Also with you all the way on winter! I think about two weeks of it would be more than sufficient for my needs.

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  2. Beautiful, Beautiful, Wonderful, Honest Post! Thank You!

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  3. "If" vs. "when"

    Lots to wrestle with there. Thanks for a wonderful post.

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  4. ((((mrs.m))) Listening for God's word is one thing, understanding, so different! Longing for the light, its what gets us through even the darkest times. Blessings.

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  5. What a great play. Thanks for the "when" part...I kind of get stuck in the "if" when I read the news too much =)

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  6. Thanks for the honest answers, lyrical and grumpy alike....I have to admit it's a lot easier to rejoice in winter in this climate--and in darkness, as Lorna pointed out, when it's not half or more of every day.

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  7. I'm with you on Winter ... and thanks for the reminder about "when" vs. "if". I need that reminder right now.

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  8. What "ps (aka purple) said. :-)

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  9. Loving Isaiah, too, this year (and most!), an expansive place in the cramped darkness for all of us.

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  10. Nice , well thought out responses. thanks!

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  11. we are all at times trying to figure out what the heck jesus means... isn't that part of the waiting, darkness & rejoicing and such?!

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"So keep fightin' for freedom and justice, beloveds, but don't you forget to have fun doin' it. Lord, let your laughter ring forth. Be outrageous, ridicule the fraidy-cats, rejoice in all the oddities that freedom can produce. And when you get through kickin' ass and celebratin' the sheer joy of a good fight, be sure to tell those who come after how much fun it was."
-Saint Molly Ivins