rejoice! friday 5

Today we have a rejoice! 5 on the RevGals

Hosted by Mother Laura of Junia's Daughter:

Can you believe that in two days we'll be halfway through Advent? Gaudete Sunday: pink candle on the advent wreath, rose vestments for those who have them, concerts and pageants in many congregations. Time to rejoice!

Rejoice in the nearness of Christ's coming, yes, but also in the many gifts of the pregnant waiting time when the world (in the northern hemisphere, at least) spins ever deeper into sweet, fertile darkness.

What makes you rejoice about:

1. Waiting?

surprises! as much as we believe we know we live as people of easter, God's outcomes and solutions usually are far beyond human imaginings.

2. Darkness?

hints and glimpses of light; all year round, one of my favorite activities is getting out of bed before first light and watching a new day break. lately we've been having quiet, lovely subtle sunrises. an almost daily treat to savor!

3. Winter?

winter brings gifts parallel and related to those of darkness. here in paradise nights in the 40's are winter's norm, but living in snow country, esp in high desert city with its reputation for the greatest snow on earth, both falling and freshly fallen snow brought along with it quiet awe and that stereotypical hush. also the way my body and mind naturally slow down just a little...

4. Advent?

advent used to be my favorite liturgical season, now replaced by festivals of the spirit, pentecost and reformation. i love the way the texts, colors and themes focus on both repentance and hope along with the prophets and the church's call to line out (and again, image and imagine in words, colors, art, music and liturgy) a free, abundant future for all of us.

5. Jesus' coming?

the baby named save starts out exactly the same as the rest of us.