Pass Through to the Newness

"We as Advent pilgrims on the way to the manger--to the great newness that the child brings--must allow ourselves to pass through the desert where John is preaching." ~ Paul H. Harkness, Our Journey to the Cradle

We are pilgrims on a journey to the stable during Advent. We walk with our eyes on the road, following in the footsteps of those who have trudged here first. Mary and Joseph plugged along on the donkey. I am sure Mary was exhausted and in need of comfortable surroundings. Joseph must have been beside himself with guilt and concern, wishing that his wife did not have to suffer so much. The shepherds had to move beyond their fears to make their journey to that manger. Who knows how long they talked about the star, angels and a baby for after that visit? They must have had more than one night when looking up to the heavens they wondered what really had happened that wondrous night. The wise men too made their way to the humble place where the Christ child lay. Did they puzzle over the events that led them there? Did they know that their steps of faith would soon turn upside down the lives of so many? I am curious sometimes if the innkeeper found his way to the cave and peered in to see if the couple he had turned away was alright.

We come face to face with ourselves in the desert before reaching the cradle in the stable. We encounter emotions that we could hide or run from but the journey of Advent is one that should lead to newness and hope. We acknowledge the longing in our hearts and come to the stable with openness for transformation. May we learn to lay down all that hinders us on the journey through the desert and arrive empty-handed to receive the Christ child.

Peace,

Suzanne