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No season of the year is more filled with wonder than that of Advent and Christmas. The story turns our understanding of the world upside down. From the stunning revelation that our creator God plans to be born into history as the son of an unwed peasant, until Jesus arrives in the tiny town of Bethlehem and is surrounded by the lowly shepherds, we are inspired. It’s breathtaking. Yet we live in an awe deprived world and are so familiar with the story that its wonder and glory often elude us. It seemed to elude many in Jesus’ time too.
Part of the wonder of the Advent and Christmas story which we will talk about in the upcoming retreat is the recounting of both joy and tragedy. The story of Christ’s birth doesn’t just bring us into the joy of this wondrous event, it also touches the tragedy of life and the world into which he was born. It is tragic that this wondrous event is witnessed only by Joseph’s family, a few disreputable shepherds, probably children, and foreigners. Where are the religious leaders? The wonder of lost opportunities for the priests in Jerusalem and the horror of the slaughtering of the children we celebrate just after Christmas Day, means that this glorious event gives us the foundations for grieving our own losses as well as expressing our joy. It is easy for us to skip over the tragedy because of our desire to focus on the joy. This year we need to make space for both.
Join us to rekindle the wonder.
Now live and ready for registration! Join Christine and Lilly for a virtual retreat unlocking the wonder of the Advent season on November 20th, 2021 from 9:30 am-12:30 pm PST. If you are unable to join us live you will be able to download the recording and listen at a convenient time for you.
