I have been following a podcast and blog called the Mystic Cave by Brian Pearson, a retired Anglican priest. Last week I was interviewed by Brian on my spiritual journey and the place that religion plays in my life. You can hear this fifty-minute interview at: https://www.brianepearson.ca/post/getting-wise
Four weeks ago, Brian interviewed Sarah Kerr on the transformative power of ritual. You can hear her at: https://www.brianepearson.ca/post/sacred-rites
Two weeks ago, I was having lunch with a friend when he asked me, “What is the meaning of Advent? It does not seem to be very meaningful or exciting”. I was able to share my own experience of Advent as a ritual that keeps me connected to the history or grounding of the Christmas story, challenges me to explore how the story of the gift of life is still being lived out in our time (or at least in my life).
One ritual I follow is the observance of Advent, which leads me into deeper contemplation of the meaning of Christmas. This four-week preparation for the celebration of Christmas, focuses on the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, which I use for journaling and reflection.
That conversation with my friend and my co-leadership of a course on Pilgrimage in the past 6 weeks helped shape my practice this year: to use music as a way into the season. The first week of Advent begins on Sunday, November 27 with the theme of Hope. I am using the song: I Remember, I Believe by Sweet Honey in the Rock. I plan to listen to it and read it every morning to sink deeper into the experience of hopefulness. I invite you to do something similar by choosing a reading, poem, song or scripture to explore the source of hope for you. How do you pick one piece? I say, sit quietly and let it come to you. Continue reading