I really like Advent. A few years ago I discovered that the Celtic church begins Advent on 15 November meaning that it lasts 40 days so I have adopted this idea for myself.
I wanted this year to be extra meaningful. Being retired I have plenty of time for reading and prayer.
I think God had a big hand in it as I found myself reading 3 different Johns:- The New Testament books ascribed to various Johns (The Gospel, The Revelation and 3 epistles)
a selection of writings by John Donne,
a selection of writing from St John of the Cross.
I have recently discovered that Bloomsbury Baptist Church in London has a large archive of sermons available on line. Their minister, Simon Woodman, is a specialist on Revelation so I have listened to one of his sermons almost every day.
The Advent Antiphons, The Great O's, became very special as I followed each one daily from 17-23 December as used in Monastic tradition in the run up to Christmas. I discovered these a few years ago and have looked at them carefully several times. This year I read them along with the sonnets based on them written by Malcolm Guite. Each day I have written my own thoughts; sometimes a poem, sometimes just interesting thoughts.
So, all in all, it's been a very deep and rich Advent; I'm rather sorry that Christmas come!
It feels like Advent waiting this year has felt like a preparation time for me, and for my mom of 93 years. Mom is failing and talking and asking about dying…some days she seems very ready and sometimes quite fearful and doubtful.
It is a journey that I don’t know how to navigate and I seem to change directions, depending on how each day goes…even so, preparing for that time, knowing that some transitions are underway.
Dear Amy, you are indeed welcome in this place. It is a place where fear, sorrow, and doubt are welcome companions. We walk with hope, joy, and compassion alongside them.
As you remember, last year I was mourning the very recent death of my beloved husband of 40 years, Jim. Although his Yahrzeit has passed and the grief is different, I am still a mourner.. For various reasons (including my daughter's family with COVID) we will not have Christmas altogether nor go to the country as we usually do. I will be alone more than usual and am hoping I can use the time intentionally to focus on the deep love in the Incarnation and the closeness of the Spirit. I am glad to have you showing the way along the path.
I am just completing a very rich journey through Advent with inspiration from various sources. I have great expectations for your 12 days of Christmas. Wishing you all a very blessed and happy Christmas.
Dear Almut, thank you for sharing your childhood Christmas memory. Today, we have a very quiet day, and I'm asking myself, if I forgot something to do. Tomorrow, my husband has 4 services, one that I share with him, and myself have a service at 23 pm in the church only lit with candles. We try to walk slowly. Ingeborg
Vielen Dank und many thanks, liebe Ingeborg, and welcome here. It sounds like you will have a lovely Holy night. I love the late candle light services. Greetings to Germany!
I’m so grateful for this gentle, intentional walking together through these (my favorite) days of the year.
Welcome, Lynn, to this journey!
Dear Almut
You asked me to share my Advent sources …
I really like Advent. A few years ago I discovered that the Celtic church begins Advent on 15 November meaning that it lasts 40 days so I have adopted this idea for myself.
I wanted this year to be extra meaningful. Being retired I have plenty of time for reading and prayer.
I think God had a big hand in it as I found myself reading 3 different Johns:- The New Testament books ascribed to various Johns (The Gospel, The Revelation and 3 epistles)
a selection of writings by John Donne,
a selection of writing from St John of the Cross.
I have recently discovered that Bloomsbury Baptist Church in London has a large archive of sermons available on line. Their minister, Simon Woodman, is a specialist on Revelation so I have listened to one of his sermons almost every day.
The Advent Antiphons, The Great O's, became very special as I followed each one daily from 17-23 December as used in Monastic tradition in the run up to Christmas. I discovered these a few years ago and have looked at them carefully several times. This year I read them along with the sonnets based on them written by Malcolm Guite. Each day I have written my own thoughts; sometimes a poem, sometimes just interesting thoughts.
So, all in all, it's been a very deep and rich Advent; I'm rather sorry that Christmas come!
Looking forward to your 12 Day of Christmas.
Every blessing to you and your family.
Sally Fox
Thank you so much, Sally, for sharing. What an impressive study you are doing. May it flow smoothly into our journey together :-)
It feels like Advent waiting this year has felt like a preparation time for me, and for my mom of 93 years. Mom is failing and talking and asking about dying…some days she seems very ready and sometimes quite fearful and doubtful.
It is a journey that I don’t know how to navigate and I seem to change directions, depending on how each day goes…even so, preparing for that time, knowing that some transitions are underway.
Welcome Amy, so nice to have you back! Blessings to you and your mom.
Dear Amy, you are indeed welcome in this place. It is a place where fear, sorrow, and doubt are welcome companions. We walk with hope, joy, and compassion alongside them.
Dear Almut,
As you remember, last year I was mourning the very recent death of my beloved husband of 40 years, Jim. Although his Yahrzeit has passed and the grief is different, I am still a mourner.. For various reasons (including my daughter's family with COVID) we will not have Christmas altogether nor go to the country as we usually do. I will be alone more than usual and am hoping I can use the time intentionally to focus on the deep love in the Incarnation and the closeness of the Spirit. I am glad to have you showing the way along the path.
Welcome to this journey, dear Donna! So good to have you again. May you find some consolation here 🥰
I am just completing a very rich journey through Advent with inspiration from various sources. I have great expectations for your 12 days of Christmas. Wishing you all a very blessed and happy Christmas.
Sally
Thank you, Sally, and welcome here. Would you mind sharing some of your advent sources? Just curious 😇
Almut,
Thank you for inviting us along on this contemplating journey. I'm sharing your writings with a friend.
KE
Thank you, Kathleen, and welcome here!
❤️
Dear Almut, thank you for sharing your childhood Christmas memory. Today, we have a very quiet day, and I'm asking myself, if I forgot something to do. Tomorrow, my husband has 4 services, one that I share with him, and myself have a service at 23 pm in the church only lit with candles. We try to walk slowly. Ingeborg
Vielen Dank und many thanks, liebe Ingeborg, and welcome here. It sounds like you will have a lovely Holy night. I love the late candle light services. Greetings to Germany!
❤️
Mary Jo, welcome here. And my deepest thanks for bringing loving kindred spirits along! 🙏 🥰