Advent Travels: Hidden by Storm Clouds

I like this story. Abba Lot went to see Abba Joseph.He said, “Abba Joseph,as far as I can say,I do my little office,and I read my psalms.I fast a little and prayand meditate.I live in peace with others and,as far as possible,I purify my thoughts.Tell me, Father, what else –what more – can I do?”Continue reading “Advent Travels: Hidden by Storm Clouds”

Advent Travels: Relationship All the Way Down

Nancy reminded me when I mentioned this Advent writing project that whenever two or more gather in Jesus’s name, Jesus is with them. Historically, this is understood in ecclesial terms. We gather in and as a church which both keeps Jesus and makes him accessible (on terms and contions it sets as Jesus’s keeper). ButContinue reading “Advent Travels: Relationship All the Way Down”

Advent Travels: A Cool Drum Solo

I’ve edited this post and comment thread to remove a personal reference that upon reflection was inappropriate and unhelpful. I apologize to anyone hurt or confused by my actions. I will do better going forward. Thank you always for your patience. It’s hard sometimes to think helpfully about the void. I have a lot toContinue reading “Advent Travels: A Cool Drum Solo”

Advent Travels: The Posture of a Guest

I stepped outside last night at about eight or so and the snow had already begun. Douglas used to say, you’ve got the writing part down. The question is, what do you want to do with it? I had hoped for a quiet snow gently falling so I could use “sussuration” in today’s writing, butContinue reading “Advent Travels: The Posture of a Guest”

Advent Travels: Happy Servants All Evening

What do I have to give to Jesus? What does Jesus want? Or are those the wrong questions? An Advent journey ends at the manger in Bethlehem, with a gift for Jesus. But what if it doesn’t? What if, halfway to Bethlehem, one of the wise men falls in love and bails on the journey?Continue reading “Advent Travels: Happy Servants All Evening”