**small poem by yours truly, not rly world race related**
Advent is the three weeks leading to Christmas. Historically, the church has practiced this season as a personal time of joyous waiting, creating space and yearning for the birth of Jesus the saviour. Akin to the 40 days of Lent prior to Easter, Advent rhythmically prepares our hearts to respond to Christ. Lately the practice of Advent (through some spiritual disciplines, themed devotions etc) has for some come to be an antidote to the rampant consumerism and busy time that now precedes the celebration of Christmas. I have been sitting with the huge juxtapositions and impact of Christ’s coming for a while, and have finally put some words in order. Below is a rough poem of sorts. I invite you into this anticipatory season with me.
twenty five days of preparation to receive salvation from a baby.
mighty messiah. saviour of the world. helpless babe.
justice.
humility.
humility.
justice.
twenty five days of re centering life and seasons around the person of christ.
christ the meek. christ the warrior. christ the humble. christ the human. christ the holy.
hannah the meek. hannah the warrior. hannah the humble. hannah the human. hannah the holy.
oh how i flinch away from those descriptions in light of the greatness of CHRIST and my ever present shortcomings.
yet i am called to be like him.
called by him to know him.
knowing him, i am shaped in his likeness.
his presence is home.
his presence is in unusual places.
home looks like peace. absence of performing. gritty surrender to the holy work of his pruning.
twenty five days of entering home.
twenty five forevers of intertwining and dancing with my saviour.
christ the baby. christ the lord of all. christ the human.
o come o come emmanuel
we are preparing for you
