DAY 7: Ponder the Mystery: A Contemplative Advent Journey

“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. Luke 1:26-27

PONDER: The coming of Jesus is set in a specific time, place, culture, and family heritage. These same markers place all people in the stream of history. The chronology of Jesus’ birth set in linear history is the “chronos time” that marks off the years. Today we look beyond chronos that always asks, “What time is it?” Today we seek the hallowing of time known as “kairos time” that asks, “What is this time for?” This is the paradox that ponders how the eternal, immortal, unending Divine presence could enter the human timeline as mere mortal flesh. But it offers hope to all humanity that our brief years have meaning and purpose so that we “may become participants in the divine nature.” (2 Peter 1:4).

RESPOND: Just as this narrative story in scripture describes specifics of time, place, and family line, so too we pinpoint ourselves in this given time, place, and lineage. Take a minute to name your own markers and record them in your journal (i.e., in the 12th month of the year 2024, in the state of Washington, I am a woman in a loving marriage, finding purpose and new rhythms of life in my retirement years…etc.). I hold this physical, chronologic identity and reflect on what it is like to live in such a time and place as this. What are the challenges I face in this season of life? In this culture? In this family lineage? What are the gifts I find here? How do I recognize and long for God to be present with me in it all?

A BLESSING: May the Lord bless you on this day, at this hour, in this space which is your holy ground. May you know the fullness of love living with you and always coming to you.  Amen.