Camel-lot

The first thing we have to do

is to notice
that we’ve loaded down this camel with so much baggage
we’ll never get through the desert alive.
Something has to go

Then we begin to dump

the thousand things
we’ve brought along
until even the camel has to go
and we’re walking barefoot
on the desert sand.

There’s no telling what will happen then.

But I’ve heard that someone,
walking in this way,
has seen a burning bush.

That Francis Dorf poem is going to accompany me  through Advent.  I shared it at a recent Presbytery meeting and I intend to repeat to myself until I learn it by heart. 

That’s my Advent spiritual practice.

I like that idea that even the magi may have brought along too much stuff. If camels have their limits, I suppose we do too.

 

 

The Tragedy In Newtown, CT.

The whole world has been sharing in the sadness this week.  With our communication systems, we have been drawn into the grief of the community of Newtown, CT. 

 

We shared in a Sunday School pageant this morning.  As the children came up in costume, sheep, angels, shepherds, the shadow of that grief was present for me and I am sure for others. 

 

A colleague shared that Martin Crebbin and the Newtown Congregational Church have opened their doors and hearts to the broken-hearted around them.  Martin’s family is safe but he and his church are doing the job of Christian community, following in the steps of the Wounded Healer, being present and caring to the people around them. 

 

Those churches, like us, will continue to light Advent candles and trust in a light that no tears can erase and no darkness can put out.

 

Hands And Feet Of Jesus

The film, The Hobbit, makes its debut shortly.  What a wonderful story about dragons and elves, a guiding wizard named Gandalf, and a most unlikely hero, a little furry creature named Bilbo Baggins.  Bilbo is the one who goes in search of a great treasure guarded by a fire-breathing dragon.  (Spoiler alert!) After a long journey, many dangers, toils and snares, the dragon is defeated and peace returns to the land.

 In their song of celebration, the people sing of rivers running with gold, just as the old songs had prophesied.  Bilbo says to Gandalf,

 “Then the prophecy of the old songs have turned out to be true, after a fashion!” 

 “Of course!” said Gandalf.  “And why should not they prove true?  Surely you don’t disbelieve the prophecies, because you had a hand in bringing them about yourself?” 

 I know film studios release films at this time of year not because its Advent but because of potential profits.  If Tolkein  was still around, this dialogue between Baggins and Gandolf suggests his deeper thinking could be about potential prophets.

Like you and me.