The Advent Door

Blessing the Way © Jan Richardson

Readings for Advent 2, Year A:
Matthew 3.1-12; Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13

When John the Baptist comes over that wilderness horizon, smelling of camel’s hair, his lips dripping with honey and with fire, he is pointing toward a way that we can make only by what we give up, what we shed, what we let go of.

—from Advent 2: A Road Runs Through It

Prepare, prepare. As we approach the second Sunday of Advent, we hear again those words about a way that is being made, and a call to make ready for the One who will travel it toward us. In a season that gives us a stunning constellation of hopeful texts, this one strikes me as one of the most hopeful of all: that in the wilderness, amidst whatever chaos and uncertainty it holds, a path is being made for the One who comes to meet us, who persists in seeking us out again and again. And I wonder, what is the way that needs to be made ready in me, that I might meet the Christ who is already drawing close?

I’ve gathered up a blessing for you, along with earlier reflections on this Sunday’s readings. And I want  you to know there is still time to join us for the Illuminated 2019 Advent Retreat! I would love to travel with you on that online journey. You’ll find info below.

In all your preparing, may you know peace. I offer gratitude and blessings for you in these days.

Prepare
A Blessing for Advent

Strange how one word
will so hollow you out.
But this word
has been in the wilderness
for months.
Years.

This word is what remained
after everything else
was worn away
by sand and stone.
It is what withstood
the glaring of sun by day,
the weeping loneliness of
the moon at night.

Now it comes to you
racing out of the wild,
eyes blazing
and waving its arms,
its voice ragged with desert
but piercing and loud
as it speaks itself
again and again:

Prepare, prepare.

It may feel like
the word is leveling you,
emptying you
as it asks you
to give up
what you have known.

It is impolite
and hardly tame,
but when it falls
upon your lips
you will wonder
at the sweetness,

like honey
that finds its way
into the hunger
you had not known
was there.

—Jan Richardson
from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons

— PREVIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THE READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY —

Matthew 3.1-12

Advent 2: A Road Runs Through It
Door 9: Making Way

Related Reflections on the Gospel

Advent 2: Dreaming the Road
Advent 2: A Blessing for Preparing
Advent 2: Blessing the Way
Advent 2: The Mystery of Approach
A Way in the Wilderness

Isaiah 11:1-10

Door 4: A Cow and a Bear Walk into a Bar
Door 6: A Time to Root Around

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Door 5: In Which I Go in Search of My Inner Savior

Romans 15:4-13

Advent 2: Blessing of Hope

There’s still time to join!
— 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 one more thing to add to your schedule, this might just be for you.

Using Jan’s artwork
To use the image “Blessing the Way,” 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.

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