Advent Meditation: Longing and Hope

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If Christmas is about the dawning of light,

the beginning of hope in the midst of painful and difficult circumstances,

then the season of Advent is a time to “be present to our longing and vulnerable to hope.” (Gertrude Mueller Nelson, To Dance with God)

I love this. Advent’s key invitation is to be present to our longing and vulnerable to hope.

Amidst the tinselly blur of activity in the next few weeks, I invite you to take a few opportunities to step aside, to stop, and be quiet, to engage with your longing and look with hope to the light that is coming.

This seven minute meditation (including two final minutes of music) will help you to engage with your own longing and waiting, and to look hopefully to the light that will dawn.

Please be warned that I invite you to call to mind a situation that is difficult or painful just now, and sit with it for about 20 seconds. Please don’t engage with this meditation if you don’t have the capacity to do that at this time.

This meditation is especially dedicated to all the wreath-making women at St Mark’s church in Bilton. May you have moments of quiet this advent.

“The people who walked in darkeness have seen a great light.” Isaiah 9:2

Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer – space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God’s love for you today – drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, Lectio Divina.

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All music by Pete Hatch.