Advent Presence

Kissed by the Past, Beckoned by the Future

One of the themes of the Advent season is to prepare for Christ, the Prince of Peace, who is coming again at a time of which we do not know. We are called to remember, to be reminded, and surprised along this journey as we live into the realized eschatology of Christ entering in our lives. Using the lens (literally and metaphorically) of Christ’s call to live a radical lifestyle by living into our baptismal covenant, the meaning making of Advent will awaken our hearts and eyes to the “Second Coming” of Christ. This book will offer a new look at Advent by seeing the four weeks through the lens of morning, mid-day, late afternoon and evening, and night. What images, energies, awakenings occur for us during those moments of the day and night? What hopes, work, resting, and dreams will inform our spirits and prepare for a new birth, new life within us? Advent points us back, quickens our senses and imaginations for the present moments, and fuels our anticipations of what might come next. Throughout the book there will be photographs, stories, and perspectives to enrich our travel and invite us to other dimensions of experience all to see Advent not only as a season but also as a resource in our daily living. Advent is a time of preparation, of patience, of remembering what grounds and sustains us. The function of Advent is to remind us who God is and who we are meant to be, as well. This book will serve as a devotional for individuals and small groups for the Advent season, with a particular focus on the Year C gospel readings from Luke.