Lynne reflects on the simplicity of child-like faith, and how it influences her expression in her art. Not always polished or expected, but authentically unrefined, her paintings capture the purity of expression found in children. She compares her work to a child-like angel, simple yet filled with joy and wonder, embodying a message of joy, genuineness and delight.
Karen Nelson recounts her long service as a musician in both a Catholic and a Presbyterian church, leading worship each week and directing choirs. Despite the demanding work, the experiences were profoundly fulfilling for her. Ten years ago, following a Christmas Eve service, she experienced a profound and inexplicable communion with a Higher Presence, which transformed her understanding of her role and music in worship. This encounter unveiled to her the essence of Advent – a harmonious waiting filled with grace, just like her choruses.
Mary Pandiani reflects on the essence of the Advent season and Christmas, illustrating it through the joy of a newborn baby. She emphasizes that God’s presence and gift of light are within everyone, a view supported by William Shannon.
Sandy Shipman recounts a challenging but beautiful hike in Arches National Park in the pitch dark, which serves as a metaphor for darker times in life. The author relates her experiences to Advent, emphasizing endurance through darkness and the hope represented by light.
On December 12, 2023, Debbie Waite led ‘The Mindful Writing Workshop’ where participants engaged in reflective reading and writing exercises inspired by Psalm 27, Isaiah 4:2-6, and Acts 11:1-18.
Zoanna expresses difficulty embracing Advent while waiting in everyday life. She suggests that amid such pauses, reflecting on words like “Wait, Hope, Love, Rest” is enough.
The Selah Center recently held a Poustinia, a Russian tradition of silent retreat for prayer and solitude, to prepare participants for Advent. This practice seeks to remove distractions and foster clearer communication with God. Wendy Bryant, one of the participants, shared her contemplative experience through a heartfelt prayer during the retreat. The center also followed the Revised Common Lectionary for daily scripture readings during Advent.
Christopher Ball reflects on anticipation, endurance, and faith for Advent Day 3.
The post explores the tradition and significance of Advent calendars that count down the days until Christmas. Originated by German Lutherans, these calendars have evolved to include devotional readings or small gifts. The author relives her childhood enthusiasm for Advent calendars through daily contemplative writings on the ‘Here & Now’ blog.
Lorina Meade reflects on the importance of living in the present moment, particularly during Advent. She compares it to the Biblical manna, the daily sustenance provided by God, emphasizing the need to trust in God’s daily provisions while also anticipating the future. Meade encourages enjoying Christmas traditions and preparations as they happen, rather than rushing towards the main day, thereby capturing the essence of ‘nowness’.
In her personal and spiritual journey, Karen Nelson navigates through grief and loneliness, finding solace in the Advent season. She explores how accepting grief can pave the way for joy and overall spiritual growth.
By Mary Pandiani
Executive Director
Selah Center
The Christmas story isn’t only about Jesus’ birth. It also involves all the other characters who make up the narrative of God’s story of Emmanuel – “God with Us.”
Zechariah, a priest for the Israelites, is one of those people. His story includes not believing God when his wife, Elizabeth, tells him after years of trying that she is pregnant with their son. As a result, he is struck mute and cannot communicate again until his son is born, and he names his son John (as in John the Baptist), the cousin of Jesus.
In Luke 1:68-79, the words of adoration and praise come from Zechariah in response to the birth of his son. Zechariah sees the faithfulness of God’s promise as a “new day is dawning” in verse 78. In the darkest places, God breaks through so that we might find ways of peace and freedom.
While I wouldn’t say I was struck mute in 2008 after a difficult decision to leave a position I enjoyed for a number of years. I did lose the voice I once had in people’s lives. I was in a dark place, searching for identity and worth, apart from the vocation that once defined me.
Eventually, I recognized God’s invitation to live into a “new day” of freedom only God provides, not other people or positions. In that place, I began to name the life God has always held for me. My Emmanuel story continues to encourage me today. I have a voice because of the God who is with me, not for any other reason.
.
God shows up in light and dark places of our life, whether we recognize God or not. So whatever place you might find yourself during this Advent season, know that the Emmanuel story is part of your story just as it is for me and as it was for Zechariah.
God is with you. Emmanuel.
