Advent Meditation - December 4th

Now is the Time

Now is the time approaching, by prophets long foretold,
when all shall dwell together, secure and manifold.
Let war be learned no longer, let strife and tumult cease,
all earth a blessed garden that God shall tend in peace.
     ~ “Now Is the Time Approaching” by June Laurie Borthwick

In the words of this 19th century hymn we are reminded that waiting is not a passive activity. These Advent days are not hours of checking-out and waiting around, but instead they are days of checking-in in new and renewing ways. Now we are reminded to be fully present in the living of our days.

            Borthwick’s words continue to instruct us. In her closing verse we hear these inspiring words, “O sweet anticipation! It cheers the watchers on.” Knowing what is happening in the world around us now, as well as in our personal lives; we know how precious these days are. We witness the brokenness and the many fragmented places. And in this hymn, we are reminded again of what we are longing for. The prophets from centuries before us speak to us now. God’s blessed garden tended in peace calls us from our cold December days. This is the day, now is the time.


Breath prayer:  “blessed” “garden”

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, call us forth and transform what has always been into what has always been meant to be. Create in us and sustain us in and through, so that we might best serve you in these days and in this work. From this day forth and forevermore. Amen.

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