Heart Space - Our Lord has Saved Us: Third Week of Advent

12-15-2019Pastor's LetterMary Ann Ronan

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared,
Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute sing.

In the Middle Eastern desert, where the Hebrew people wandered forty years, is a road. A strange phenomenon that travels report is the road seems to end suddenly just ahead but to resume a hundred feet later, only to disappear for some distance once again. The constant wind that blows sand over the surface hides and then reveals the path again.

This highway keeps appearing in the Scriptures. It was not as clear as when they took it as they were freed from Babylon to return to Jerusalem. Centuries later, the prophet speaks words of comfort. The sin of the people following other gods, were pardoned. They kept walking the road to Jerusalem. Then another came from the desert to prepare a new road for God. It was a wilderness man named John. He came to the Jordan and in that river preached a way of forgiveness. Jesus found his way to John and asked to be baptized. He then announced the kingdom of God was at hand.

The road stretches out to us in our desert. This road of life we travel calls us to live lives of anticipation as we wait for the second coming of Jesus. Just as our ancestors waited for the Messiah, we are called to wait for his return. We, too, get distracted, too busy, pulled in different directions, honor false gods, miss opportunities, and do not prepare our hearts.

We all want to see, truly listen, leap like a stag and sing a new song. What is our hearts desire this Advent? Anticipation is about love, having connections, taking care of others, seeing our sisters and brothers in need; and making a difference in their lives, listening to others; without thinking of what we want to say, leaping up to help, singing Christmas songs in a way that opens our hearts to the love only Jesus gives us, it points us toward a savior whose love is unconditional.

I often think of Advent as a blessing time, we think of others, do for others, decorate our homes, yes, and even outside is lit up with lights. We are nicer to each other, more forgiving, changing our attitudes toward someone, even for a day. I wonder why we cannot do this year round? Then we would be ready for Jesus' return no matter when he comes!

So make a cup of hot coca, with marshmallows or whip cream, remember to breathe, give thanks for all you have, make a promise to love, forgive, live in gratitude, be ready to accept whatever comes your way and turn it into a blessing.

We have made a heart space in our lives. Let us keep it open.

Mary Ann Ronan
ronanfaith4gmail.com


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