Andrew

Looking and Longing

The lovely phrase 'quiet miracles' belongs to John O'Donohue

a

a

There are two places human beings feel very comfortable living in. In the past and in anticipation of the future. Rarely do we ever simply want to be just here - in this instant... this moment. The gift. The present called now...

a

A Meditation
a
Relax your body...
Move from the
height of your head
Fall into the depth
of your soul...
a
Breathe deeply
and naturally

Drop your shoulders

Loosen your clenched
hands and jaw...
a

Fall into a gift that's never left you...

Into this moment called now -

Something nobody can ever
take away from you
a
Stay here for 2 or more minutes
You may even want to close your eyes
Whatever you do, relax and breathe deeply in and out

a

a

Advent One

A Liturgy Around an Advent Wreath
a
The First Sunday in Advent
a
The altar party and person(s) asked to light the candle(s) gather(s) quietly around the Advent Wreath. A moment of silence is observed to allow our souls and restless selves to settle. Then lovingly, from our hearts, this contemporary chorus is sung. The wreath is incensed
a
Gathering
a
As the deer pants for the water
so my soul longs after you

You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship you
You alone are my strength, my shield,
to you alone may my spirit yield
a
You alone are my heart’s
desire and I long to worship you
a
Remembering
a
Leader From ancient times our spiritual foreparents
longed for the arrival of child

a

All An Anointed One. We believe this came true
in the person of Jesus – God’s Son

a

Leader Jesus our bright Morning Star

a

All The Child of Love, who will cometo you from near or far

a

Leader Come to us Lord, in whicheverform you choose

a

All I give my heart, for you to love and use

a

Lighting
a
We sing the first verse of the traditional AdventAntiphons during which time the First Candle ofAdvent is lit. (H A&M New Standard 26)

a

O come, O come, Emmanuel,

and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here,

until the Son of God appear:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel
a
Concluding Prayer
a
Even though I may not

always understand,

You are therelike a Star,

in the pit

and palm of

my hand

a

Come to me, Lord,

in whichever form you choose...

I give my heart, for you to love and use
aa
Concluding thoughts

a
You may want to pray this prayer during the week, whenever you feel the need to. You may want to write or draw your own prayer, thought or word. Pray as you can…During the week, look up at the stars – even just one star… It is staggering to think that the same stars you see, our spiritual foreparents and Jesus himself physically saw (Job 9:9-10).I think one of Jesus’ deepest longings is to love you and for you to learn – even if it takes a lifetime – learn to love – really love yourSelf

a

a

Advent

a

Ever since human beings have looked up to the starry skies, they have longed for the arrival of a child [to bring us not only a better future – but also a better now] - David Steindl-Rast

a
Advent is derived from the Latin root, adventus meaning arrival or coming.

a

During this holy time, firstly, we prepare and remember how Jesus came to us in vulnerability, as a helpless human being. Born as a boy. And perhaps, how, often, miracles are small and nestled in what seems ordinary and easily taken for granted or overlooked. Secondly, we look and long for Jesus’ Coming Again at the end of it all…
a
But lastly - and perhaps most importantly - in all our looking and longing, may we never overlook Jesus’ presence with us in the here and now… The rabbi who taught that when two or three are gathered in his name, he would be there among them... Jesus' presence through people, places, moments, experiences, sacraments or events that bring God into sharp focus for us. Advent, surely, must also be about that and them... Not just looking back in sentiment, or looking dreamily forward, but looking deeply into the miracle and moment - this instant - the numinous Now...

a

May you have the heart - the courage, the couer, to look and stay long nowhere else but here...

a