The Benedictine monk David Steindl-Rast writes that a season is less about an exact period of time and more “a mood and experience…Seasons are qualitative experiences: We sense a subtle difference in the quality of light, the length of daylight, the feel of the air on our skin. We know intuitively that something is happening in nature.” Crisp autumn air feels different than the hot long days of summer, the frigid barrenness of winter and the freshness of spring. 

 

Seasons are about kairos time. Chronos is the Greek word for chronological time while kairos is about time as opportunity or encounter. While our standard calendars measure chronos, the church calendar is all about kairos, “the fullness of time,” as its expressed in Scripture. It is an invitation to both opportunity and encounter because when we orient our lives to its rhythms, when we inhabit its narrative arc, we open ourselves up to encounter the One who stands at the center of the Story. 

This Sunday marks the beginning of the church calendar with Advent.  Advent's theme are about longing, waiting, expectation for the coming of the Messiah, for all to be made right, in our own lives and the world we live in. It is about holding the tension of the “already not yet” of God's kingdom where the kingdom of God is already at hand, yet not here in all of its fullness. It's about not trying to prematurely resolve the tension but to hold it with brutal, clear-eyed honesty in light of the promises and character of God, and allow it to transform us. 

 

When I heard the verdict on Wednesday that all three men were found guilty in Ahmaud Arbery's death, I felt relief in a right judgment, alongside skepticism about “trusting the system" that has gotten it wrong too many times; thankful that his family received accountability for his death alongside sorrow that he is no longer with them. We hold the tension and actively wait for the God who comes in the midst of them. And so I invite you to inhabit Advent, with whatever tensions you are holding this season, along with a special invitation below. 

 

Come Lord Jesus, 

We're excited to partner with Hope Church East Village for a 3-part 

Advent Retreat: God Speaks Through Wombs. As we dive into the first 8 chapters of Luke's gospel, we'll reflect on God's unexpected coming, holding tension between a story that begins in the dark and yet promises light. Join us we ponder with Mary, wait with Simeon and rejoice with Elizabeth. 

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Advent & Christmas 

Last Sunday's Sermon: 

Lisha considers the sacred conversation between Jesus and Pilate in John's gospel. She posits his questioning as the beginning of a spiritual journey.
You can watch her message and all others on our YouTube channel or listen to them on iTunes or Spotify.