The Season of Waiting

During Advent I wait; we all wait. We long for the fulfillment of the ancient promises of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. No doubt our ways of waiting vary from person to person. Some of you, I’m sure, have deliberate daily rituals to encourage you along the way, while others, like me, are more casual.

A Small Light That Steadies the Heart

My usual practice looks like a small beeswax candle lighting up our supper table, reminding me to continue to trust the ongoing work of the Holy One. All ways keep a focus on the promises made to humankind over the ages, promises of blessings of peace, love, hope, and joy.

The Gifts That Remain Through Every Circumstance

One thing that strikes me as I consider the promises of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love is that each is available regardless of what is happening in our world. We have no guarantee of personal safety, good health, an equitable government, comfortable living circumstances, or employment. Even so, God invites us to share those rich promised gifts with all those around us.

Joining the Work of Redemption

I feel like I become a partner with God in the salvation of all creation when it’s my turn to read the scripture or Prayers of the People at church, when I have a chance to be the local face of a grandmother to my special young friends’ small children, when I watch my directees’ faith deepen and mature over time, and when Dick and I celebrate our long life together and the family we have raised. At the same time, I’m waiting and trusting the Holy One to redeem the world, places where all I can offer are my prayers and trust.

The Holy One Already With Us

Just as the people of Israel waited for the appearance of the Messiah, we wait for the Everliving Christ to be revealed to and in us. The mystery is that the one we wait for has been surrounding us forever, surrounds us now, and will continue to surround us eternally.

Breathing with the Everliving Christ

At a retreat I attended many years ago, we began our day with this simple exercise: Place your hand on your heart. When you breathe in, say to yourself, I breathe in the Spirit of Christ. When you exhale, say to yourself, I’m breathing the love of Christ into the world. This practice has reminded me again and again that I participate with Ever-living Christ in the ongoing work of redeeming creation.

Deb Steinkamp