The Journey

 

ADVENT 

Await my soul in glad anticipation--

the Savior is coming! Be still my heart!

Dance and sing in wild jubilation! 

The King is coming, His grace to impart.

Veiled in wonder, God incarnate, 

Mystery to ponder, wisdom and love.

Echo the angels, sing Hallelujah! 

Peace on earth, sent from above!

Night of darkness banished forever, 

Son of God, Love's pure Light!

Tell the nations, spread the glad tidings. 

Joy came down to earth that night!

I wrote this poem 20+ years ago, but always think of it when Advent begins. Advent is the time of waiting. A time to anticipate the birth of Jesus Christ.

 I discovered a wonderful book several years ago, called simply "The Advent Book" by Jack and Kathy Stockman. This book was their family's way to 'journey to Bethlehem'. For each day in December there is a door to be opened and part of the story from scripture told for that day.

 I thought it was not only a beautiful book to look at, but a wonderful way to pass the time waiting for the Christ Child. So that year I sat down and each night as I opened the doors, I wrote my own meditations for the scriptures, as a way to travel towards Bethlehem and Jesus. It was a meaningful time for me, and last year I shared these writings with a few friends and relatives. 

Every year at this time I post this journey in my blog.  This is my journey, my waiting time. It may be different for you. Each one of us has to make the journey on our own, reading the scriptures, and seeing what God says to us in them. I hope you will make your own journey and not just rely on mine. 

I will start the story when "The Advent Book" starts, on December 1st and continue through until the end. I usually write my meditations in the form of prayers, so keep in mind that I'm addressing God throughout. These are my thoughts and insights and you might not agree with all of them. Any poetry is mine and not to be copied or used elsewhere without my permission.