Santa, Baby Jesus, and everything yule
Today’s topic is “In Solitude, In Activity.” Nouwen explores the need to balance periods of activity with periods of being alone, even lonely: “Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our lives are in danger.” That’s a strong statement–in danger.
Are you feeling comfortable with solitude, especially as the “merry season” advances?
The Advent readalong is using the book Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen. Every day through January 5. Hop in any time.
Today’s topic is “The Root of Patience.” Nouwen writes: “What seems a hindrance becomes a way; what seems an obstacle becomes a door; what seems a misfit becomes a cornerstone.”
Patience has always been difficult for me. To sit and wait and do nothing is particularly troublesome. I have found solace in the past few years in the lyrics, “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord; we will wait upon the Lord; we will wait upon the Lord.” The idea that being patient isn’t just about doing nothing, but rather getting ready, gathering strength, so that when God needs us to we can act.
Are you feeling “watchfully alert”?
The Advent readalong is using the book Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen. Every day through January 5. Hop in any time.
Today’s topic is “In the Midst of Our Dark World,” and Nouwen is asking us to think about small signs of God’s power, not big ones: “The work of our salvation takes place in the midst of a world that continues to shout, scream, and overwhelm us with its claims and promises.”
Have you seen any small signs of God’s power or presence in your life today?
I like the imagery in the verse from Isaiah about the shoot coming out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch coming out of his roots. It seems to put into perspective the idea of generations, that we’re not just stagnant but that we’re going somewhere. And maybe a few bad days or months with one of our children won’t impede our growth.
Thoughts?
The Advent readalong is using the book Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen. Every day through January 5. Hop in any time.
We’ll be doing an Advent readalong starting November 27 (the first Sunday of Advent) with the book Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen. Nouwen was a Dutch priest and professor, and one of my favorite Christian writers. I think one of the things that makes his work so simple and still, and perfect for Advent, is that he suffered from serious depression, so he doesn’t take anything for granted.
The book is based on his writings and each day includes a thought from Nouwen, a short section from the Bible, a prayer, and an action to take that day. We’ll be doing one reading each day during Advent and for each of the twelve days of Christmas.
I hope you’ll join in, whether or not you’ve had any experience with Advent or with doing faith readings before, or whether you even believe in God. It’s six weeks until we start, so you have plenty of time to order the book and get it.