Walking in the woods, one often spots stumps or fallen trees. One of the most special SURPRISES is when you also spot a tender shoot springing from the “dead” wood … new life and growth — new beginnings! — springing from death and decay!!
This second Sunday of Advent we celebrate the gift of “Love” and the choir will sing of that prophecy! (click here to listen…) “A shoot shall come forth out of Jesse and a bud shall grow out of his roots The spirit of life shall be with him, the spirit of wisdom and truth.
THEN THE LAMB SHALL LIE DOWN WITH THE LEOPARD
AND THE LION EAT STRAW WITH THE OX
FOR THE HAND OF A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM
TO THE PEACEABLE KINGDOM OF GOD.
He goes on to describe this person …
“From out of the wells of salvation will he draw us the water of life.
His waist shall be girdled with justice, the heart of his heart shall be LOVE.“
As we await the re-birth of Jesus this Advent, how can we bring about the peaceable kingdom in this world of quick tempers, hatred and violence?
Some advice from the Dalai Lama:
PRACTICE KINDNESS WHENEVER POSSIBLE It is always possible.
There are a million ways to do this!! …holding the door for someone, giving generously, being patient, volunteering your time and energy, letting someone into the traffic line, listening to a troubled friend, taking a casserole to a grieving neighbor, donating food to the food pantry, helping resettle our refugee family, giving a smile, just BEING THERE when you are needed. — or maybe extend your generosity by contributing to our Uganda Well Project to make clean water accessible to the folks of Amidikan Village!!
What others might you add?
This Advent — challenge yourself to do your part to bring about the kin-dom of God in as many ways as you can find!