Advent Longings

Psalm 85 is a prayer for the restoration of Israel to her land.  It was probably written at the time of the exile or in post exile times. It can be interpreted as a prayer of thanks for the return from exile or as a prayer longing for freedom from exile.

Psalm 85 is often used in the Advent season, a time when we prepare ourselves for the coming of God’s love made flesh and blood in the birth and life of Jesus.  Advent means “coming”, “arrival”.  It is a time of waiting in expectant hope for the arrival of God’s presence which gathers up “the hopes and fears of all the years” and sets us free from our slavery to sin and fear with promises of shalom (peace and well-being).

As you read the psalm, listen for the sense of longing and yearning.  What do you long for in this Advent season?

As I listen to news and talk with people, a deep sense of longing for release from a sense of restlessness pervades life.  I experience more of an unsettledness of soul and a nagging fearfulness of days to come.  Others long for a renewed sense of life's purposefulness and value.

Many seem to be crying out for a glimpse of God's help and guidance not just for themselves but for the larger community of the creation.

So may it be.

 

Give me some skin!

There is a nice little story of a child who wakes up frightened, jumps out of bed and quickly heads for his parents bedroom.  One of his parents meets him in the hall way.

 After providing some needed comfort and encouragement the parent takes the child by the hand and walks back to the child's room.

 Turning on the light, the parent reminds the little person that "You know you are not alone here.  God is with you."

To which the child responds:  " Oh, I know God with with me.  I need someone in this room who has some skin!"

As i though about this story and this being All Saints Day, I am reminded that a "saint" is one who allows God to use their "skin" to make God's presence know.  The word for saint can be translated "God's holy people". 

 I am also aware that it is God who makes something or someone holy.  Meister Eckhart said, "Do not think that saintliness come from occupation; it depends rather on what one is.  the kind of work we do does not make us holy, but we may make it holy."

So on this All Saints Day, may God's Word become skin (flesh) in us!