Advent Meditation - December 11th

God’s constant presence

Let nothing disturb thee; Let nothing dismay thee; All things pass; God never changes.  (The one) who finds God lacks for nothing. God alone suffices.
     ~ Saint Teresa of Avila (adapted)

            Advent days come as we are moving into winter. Animals know much about hibernating and these days and nights echo a heart-felt amen to that intention. The cold seems to be settling in. The trees are bare and sometimes they even look cold against the skyline. These are days when it’s so easy to turn inward. These are times when it’s easy to lose hope.

            My friend Michael has written a melody that accompanies Saint Teresa’s words. It’s truly beautiful. [There's a video found on this website "You're Not Alone" about grief and this song is heard there. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk4Uy5-gGUg takes about 25 minutes, so find a cup of tea and a quiet spot.] He’s taken these words from centuries ago and relived them to be heard anew. And even without Michael’s beautiful tune, these words can be a loving companion for these “winter’s comin’” days.

            In our waiting and watching for the Promised One’s coming, we can take heart that what is troubling us now will not last as long as God’s love lasts. Changes come, welcome or not. And our lives often change as a result. God’s lovingkindness is always with us, our true north. On these dark nights, may we be guided by a saint’s words, may we trust in something we can’t yet see or understand and follow on, if just for another day (or two or three).

Breath prayer: “things pass”  “God never changes”

Prayer: God of Not Yet, breathe hope into our coming-on-winter days. Guide us we pray in ways of light and life, so that you might delight in us and as we are ever thankful for you. Amen. 

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