Advent: by Meta Herrick Carlson

The sacred call “Prepare!” does not ask for lists or logistics.

We do not “Keep awake!” only to ensure we are not forgotten at the rapture.

Nor is the stillness sedentary.

 

So do not simply go looking for a candle scent to capture

what it means to Ponder, or a gift to prove your Love,

or a tall tree to announce, “Joy to the World!”

 

Advent lays bare visions of time bending into already and not yet,

by the God who tears apart the hustle, the heavens, the temple curtain,

with no intention of mending back together our favored boundaries.

 

This is the thin space where stillness is powerful and

God is changing our hearts, so sacred Ponder, Love, and Joy

can birth a shelter.

 

The miracle grows with slow strength in the one place we have all called home,

where we do not yet know another way, while our fullness is being prepared,

carried, and nourished by the One who says, “Yes.”

 

Sometimes words can bring us to a place, to a feeling. This is why I love poetry. I am happy to share this lovely poem from Meta Herrick Carlson with you as we enter the season of Advent. Advent is a new beginning as it marks the church new year. In the spirit of the “new” I am pleased to announce something new happening this Advent season. Members of Zion Lutheran, Bethesda Lutheran, Elim Lutheran (Blackhoof) and Our Saviors got together to sing Holden Evening Prayer together. Each Wednesday evening in Advent, we will be broadcasting a pre-recorded, joint service. You will also see pastors from each of these churches leading, praying, and sharing messages, including a message from a member of Zion. Happy Church New Year! I pray this Advent brings a spirit of newness and possibility as await the arrival of the Christ child together.

 

Pr. Luke