‘The Glorious Impossible’
Advent is often referred to as a time of waiting in anticipation for the celebration of Christ’s birth. A time spent in contemplation and prayer for what author Madeleine L’Engle calls “The Glorious Impossible.” But it is also a time of paradoxes.
‘Longing for Contemplation’
While we open the windows on our Advent calendars, light our Advent candles, and reflect upon scripture, we’re also caught up in the frenzy of buying gifts and filling our schedules with too many social obligations.
We long for times of contemplation amid the noise of commercialism.
Recent world events have affected the mood of this Advent season as well. For those of us who can sit through an entire newscast, and understandably many of us can’t, we’re shocked and appalled by the atrocities and discord taking place in Israel and the Middle East.
Sadly, the land of Christ’s birth is not a safe place to be, making the annual pilgrimage to Bethlehem out of the question. We are shocked and stunned by the escalation of ethnic and religious intolerance in our country and around the world. We ask ourselves how such hatred and divisiveness can exist in these modern times.
‘A Healing Spirit’
While it’s understandable to fall into a sea of negativity and frustration, we must be careful not to let the present world circumstances steal our faith.
If we truly believe that God can achieve the gloriously impossible feat of sending us His son in the form of a human infant, we must aspire more than ever to actively commit to our mission of bringing Love, Mercy and Justice to this broken world.
As Mother Teresa said, “There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter.”
In this blessed time of Christmas, may we never forget that we are called to spread that healing light to others.
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Diane,
Thank you for your thoughtful sharing. Last night I watched the Tabernacle choir program that was beautiful During a section of the program they told the story of a man who saved 669 children during the Holocaust. The narrator called him “the British Schindler.” It does seem that the worst of times
always bring out the best in some people who go out of their way to make a difference. May we all make a difference in whatever way we can and support those who do extraordinary things to bring peace and Emmanuel, God with us, into our world.
Thank you, Donna. I saw that program too and loved that story.
I so appreciate your post. Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Thank you, Sr. Paula. A Merry and Blessed Christmas to you too.
Blessed and merry Christmas to all.
Thank you for your encouragement to be a healing light to others when so much seems to be darkness and destruction, Diane. Christ be our light…
Thank you for this reflection Diane. As I look ahead on December 28, I have to resist the temptation to get up and walk away from quiet time, as the busy world seems to invade my thoughts, no matter how hard I try to keep the news and events out. Even news and events in my family and friends can distract me from quiet listening to the Holy Spirit
This quote……. There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter, really inspires me and is something I can take with me to remind me!
Thank you, Diane. Your reflection touched my heart and gave me an opportunity to reflect on Christmases past and this present Chrstimas season.