Advent Seeking

Photo from Flickr user dottorpeni

As November begins, I sense the onset of Advent. As a pastor in a church, it is natural for me to sense this, even though the leaves are just now beginning to change into glorious shades of color in eastern North Carolina. In fact, as I compose this post, my mind is also thinking forward to Epiphany and the new revelations it will bring. As Christians we celebrate Epiphany on January 6 when we rejoice at the coming of the Magi, or as some know them, the Wise Men. Over two thousand years ago these wise people from the east followed a star and celebrated Epiphany for the first time with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

At the college conference this year, we will tap into that ancient celebration. Through elements of our worship, we too will seek and we too will celebrate. We will seek the presence of Christ in our lives. We will seek ways to celebrate the Christ Child in our own contexts, all year long. We will celebrate the fact that we have a God who says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come” and “Then you shall see and be radiant”. Together we will ponder and question the meaning of these ancient prophecies in our lives.

As November continues, I offer prayers for you, my sisters and brothers in the faith, for the waiting of Advent is upon us. And before we know it, it will be time for a celebration, for the Christ Child is in our midst. Soon we will gather in the mountains in the cold of winter to join in the ancient art of seeking and celebrating this Christ Child as we ponder the meaning of a star in the sky and the joyful prophecies of Isaiah.

Mary Kathleen Duncan
College Conference Worship Enabler