Advent begins this Sunday and I am in need of a some liturgical order and ecclesiastical grounding to calm the disorder of life and to fulfill my soul’s desire for a deeper connection with God.
Photo by Holly Michael, Waltham Abbey, London
I’ve always been a traditional, liturgically minded Christian. The world is chaotic. I like order. Lately, I feel unsettled, not very focused, functional or disciplined. I question whether I am lined up with God’s will in all that I do. I’m in a period of waiting for a breakthrough and praying for some real fruits from my writing and our ministry efforts. I recall more glorious times in my spiritual life where I felt overwhelming joy and peace in walking with the Lord. I’m stumbling in the valley and want to get back to the mountaintop.
Photo by Holly Michael, Isle of Iona, Scotland
So, during this Advent season, I am making a personal promise to be more focused, more thoughtful, more faith-filled EACH DAY. I will attempt to blog each day about this journey, even if it’s just a Scripture quote and photo and a few words of inspiration.
Liturgically (in the Anglican tradition), last Sunday ended the church year with “Stir-up Sunday.” The reason it’s called Stir-up Sunday might have something to do with the beautiful prayer (or collect) designated for last Sunday from our 1928 Book of Common Prayer:
STIR up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We prayed this prayer as a church community and it had deep meaning for me. My will needs to be stirred up, aligned with God’s will. I would love to see some fruits of my good works. Rewards? You bet. Here or in Heaven are welcome!
THIS SUNDAY is the first Sunday in Advent, the beginning of four weeks of Advent-our spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ (Birth of Christ) as well as His second coming. Here is our collect for this Sunday:
ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and [the]* dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.
Let’s put on the armor of light. Come join me and let’s open our hearts to the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. See you tomorrow!
photo by Holly Michael, Sand Bay Point, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
I certainly relate. Sometimes I feel so manic–it has seemed to be years of grieving over many kinds of losses while at the same time life is peppered with humor and joy in all He has created. It is hard to feel settled in the joy, though, when the hunger and sadness seem so close by. May renewal be ours–the deep seated unruffled kind.
I hate those manic feelings, but we are human. I feel so certain with my goals in life and where God has called me in my writing, but I get frustrated in not seeing the fruits, always. The world is so chaotic now, it’s easy to get discouraged. I am truly trying to seek Him in all of the uncertainties of my life. He has never ever let me down or not showed up when I have sought Him. His peace is there…sometimes he wants us to be seekers.
Blog on, Holly.
Sometimes blogging can be a means to unstick a writer’s brain and move forward. I’m looking forward to your posts.
Thank you, this is lovely. I love the explanation of Sitr-Up Sunday—in the Reform tradition, I had always been told it was the day when we “stirred up” the ingredients for our Christmas cakes! 😀 Just one quibble—-Advent is not 40 days. Maybe you were thinking of the other great penitential season, Lent?
You’re right. It’s not 40 days. I’ll fix that. Happy Advent.
Holly, what a challenge! It was all I could do to write four Advent posts – once for each week! It will take me a while to catch up on all your inspiring posts. Blessings to you during this last week of Advent. And, I loved hearing about STIR-UP Sunday! Doris
Thanks Doris…some are short. Just something to reflect on each day. God bless and Merry Christmas!