Darkness, Stillness and Silence

John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

~John 3.16 

As the days before Christmas draw closer, getting busier and busier with families arriving, baking, present wrapping, light hanging and tree decorating, remember what it is we

 truly celebrate. Advent, the coming birth of Christ; a time of darkness, stillness, and silence all representing the deep places of our lives, our souls. And it is here, deep within as we search, that Advent happens. Christ comes not to the noise and busyness of the world because there's no room. There wasn't any room at the inn, but there is room in the dark, the still and silent place deep within our soul. Christ can meet me there... he can meet you.

Don't be afraid to ask yourself, where is that place in my awareness where I can be without seeing, without knowing or understanding, and be at peace? Where or what are the empty places in my life? I might feel uncomfortable about emptiness, but an empty place is one where the Christ child can come when there is "no room in the inn" elsewhere. Possibly even the painfully empty places―the places of loss, bereavement, poverty or fruitlessness: maybe these are places where even now angels are gathering. The good news is, you can go there and wait. God will meet you, he'll meet me, in the silence and darkness as you and I sit in stillness.

Thank you God of Light, who casts out all darkness, who delivers and sets free, who comforts the grieving and brokenhearted. You bring hope and peace. May we wait with an openness of mind, heart and soul for you to fill the emptiness with your presence. May the comfort and peace of heaven inhabit our lives this season. Amen.

Deep blessings and peace,

Diane