The Advent Door

Where Advent Begins © Jan Richardson

Lectionary Readings for Advent 1, Year A:
Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44

It is almost Advent, again! Even as I anticipate the arrival of a season that’s dear to me, I am keenly aware that the anniversary of Gary’s death falls on the second day of Advent. So I know all too well what a mix the holidays can be—that for so many people, December is a wild swirl of sorrow and stress. More than one person has told me they wish they could just crawl under the blankets until the season passes.

I understand that wish entirely. I have also come to know in my bones the hope that lives so deeply in this season. The story of Advent is the story of love that comes to be with each of us, no matter what. It’s as if Advent were custom-made for those who are brokenhearted or in pain or simply dizzy with all that life can hold.

In the midst of my own Advent swirl, I am hugely glad and grateful that I will be sharing the season with others on the Illuminated Advent Retreat—the new online journey I’ll be leading throughout December. And I want to say that if the holidays are hard for you, I would love for you to consider joining us, and entering into a space of sanctuary that invites you to breathe and to listen for the hope at the heart of this season.

And if you simply love Advent and are looking for a different way to enter more deeply into the gifts that these days hold, I would love for you to join us, too! You’ll find info about the retreat below.

Here at The Advent Door blog, we are entering our thirteenth season. As we begin Advent anew, I’ve gathered up a collection of reflections for you from previous years; you’ll find them below as well.

Wherever this new season leads you, I wish you so many blessings and pray these days will hold wonders for you.

— ILLUMINATED 2019 ONLINE ADVENT RETREAT —

Intertwining reflections, art, music, and community, the Illuminated retreat is a great way to travel toward Christmas in contemplation and conversation from anywhere you are, in the way that works best for you. For info and registration, visit the overview page at Illuminated 2019 or click the Illuminated icon below:

If you’re hungry for an experience that draws you into the season without feeling like it’s just one more thing to add to your schedule, this is for you. We have individual, group, and congregational rates available. You can also give the retreat as a gift!

— PREVIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THE READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY —

Matthew 24:36-44

Advent 1: The Vigil Kept for Us
Advent 1: Where Advent Begins

Related Reflections on the Gospel

Advent 1: Blessing When the World Is Ending
Advent 1: Drawing Near
Advent 1: In Which We Stay Awake
Advent 1: Practicing the Apocalypse
Advent 1: Through the Door

Romans 13:11-14

Door 2: Sleeping with Kilian

Using Jan’s artwork
To use the image “Where Advent Begins” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Advent Door possible. Advent special: During Advent, subscribe to Jan Richardson Images and receive unlimited digital downloads for use in worship for only $125 per year (regularly $165). Click here to subscribe.

Using Jan’s words
For worship services and related settings, you are welcome to use Jan’s blessings or other words from this site without requesting permission. All that’s needed is to acknowledge the source. Please include this info in a credit line: “© Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com.” For other uses, visit Copyright Permissions.

This entry was posted on November 25, 2019 at 1:33 pm and is filed under Advent, art, blessings, lectionary, sacred time. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.