reFlecting with reFresh this Advent.-2nd Sunday

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Subject: reFlecting with reFresh this Advent.-2nd Sunday

reFresh Advent Reflections 2014

Who is welcomed at the Incarnation... -Paula

The Shepherds – not seen as citizens, perhaps not even as humans; they are disreputable, untrustworthy, marginalized people.

Yet, they are invited to an angelic concert and scavenger hunt to both find and participate in a front row seat to witness the Promised Messiah becoming flesh.

They are an illogical choice to be the first guests at such an auspicious event! They were the equivalent of, in my modern day Western society, the homeless or welfare recipients. Yet they were welcomed.

Then there are the Magi – these Eastern mystics who don't speak “my” language and don't follow “my" beliefs and values and don't have “my” color of skin. They were astrologers, new-agers who trusted in the heavens more than the One who created the heavens.

And yet, the heavens they revered and studied led them to the very One who created not only the heavens, but also the One who gave them their very life and breath and being.

These Eastern stargazers left everything familiar, spent about two years traveling in their entourage, with their precious gold and spices, on the mere hope of finding the King of the Jews to worship him.

Foreigners with different beliefs and practices and who worshiped different gods...

and yet God includes them in the birth narrative.

2nd Sunday of Advent

Hope grows where all are welcome. Hope grows where there are not divisions from color, or gender, or age or status. Hope grows when there is hospitality and welcome – perhaps especially of those who are not like us. Maybe even when we welcome the parts of ourselves which we hold with great disdain.

It is why we revere people like Bishop Desmond Tutu who fostered welcome and reconciliation between those who betrayed and grievously rejected and injured one another during the atrocities associated with Apartheid in South Africa.

It is why we are humbled deeply by Mother Teresa's efforts to welcome and care for the dying destitute on the streets of Calcutta. If ever there is a Biblical narrative that bespeaks this type of hospitality and hope, it is the Incarnation.

Intentional reflections:

Hope grows here - you can help!

Even when you feel “no room at the Inn” this Christmas, there is room for you in God's story – in God's heart. Even when you feel on the "outside" or "alone" or "not wanted" - may you find all the welcome you've ever longed for by kneeling at the foot of the infant King. And may you offer welcome to those who are different and perhaps even difficult for you during this Advent season.

Take some time with one or both of these questions:

"Lord, where do I feel like there is not room for me this Christmas?"

As the Lord reveals these places and spaces to your heart, put your hand on the part of your body where you are feeling the alone, not wanted, outsider-ness.

"Lord, who is it difficult for me to welcome this Advent season?"

As the Lord reveals these people to you, acknowledge whatever fear or frustration or worry this brings up by simple saying "I acknowledge that I have fear" or "I feel worried" or..."

Then ask the King who was born a baby for us, to show you, what, if any, steps you need to take towards Him with your loneliness, anxiety, fear, etc...

Wait, with your eyes closed, your palms upturned in a receiving pose and your heart willing to be willing to hear what He may be calling your toward this Advent season.

Visit the reFresh website to find more ways to Unhurry Up!TM your life.

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Subject: reFlecting with reFresh this Advent.-2nd Sunday