Matt Mings on 
Brian Niece on The Mysterious Presence
Advent is all about waiting. Well . . . hurrying up and waiting at the same time. We can easily understand the “hurry up” part during this time of year. The stuff that “must” get done before Christmas Day; the gifts bought and wrapped; the cards mailed; the decorations put out; the parties; the extra work that has to be done by year’s end; etc., etc., etc. The “waiting” part is always a challenge.
One of my favorite times of year is Christmas Eve. I love the anticipation of waiting for sundown on Christmas Eve: I especially like being at a Christmas Eve service, or sitting in the quiet near some candle light and quiet music, just waiting, waiting, waiting, for one of the most holy moments of the whole year. We don’t really know on what day Christ was born. But it’s not really important. What’s important is that the Church has chosen for hundreds of years to celebrate God’s most important visit to earth on this day (which begins at sundown). So I wait for the sun to set on Christmas Eve.
When I was a young kid, before I understood much about all the symbolism of Advent and Christmastime, I’m sure I was waiting for Santa Clause. But now it’s the reality that Christmas Eve will come every year. I can’t wait for it . . . and yet I have to! The celebration of God’s amazing visit to earth happens again in my heart — a manger for Christ. And it’s not a loud celebration. It’s quiet and awesome and makes me feel like I’m very close to the mysterious presence of God.
It’s not only on Christmas Eve that we can be draw close to the mysterious presence of God. We can practice God’s presence on a regular basis every week. If you are reading this, I hope you are at least interested in experiencing something like what I’ve described on Christmas Eve. Give it a try right now. See if you can practice God’s presence. How? Like this . . .
Breathe in and breathe out. Reflect on God’s presence in and around you. God is present in every breath you take, every blink of your eye. God is with you now. Thank God for the divine unfailing, mysterious presence.
Now, ask God for the grace to let go of worries, fears, and concerns. Ask God to make you free and open to what the divine presence may mean for you.
Now, focus on the relationships in your life. Your relationship with God, with your family, with friends, with enemies, with strangers . . . so many people to give God thanks for and pray for. Recognize God’s presence in their lives. Some relationships may be twisted, broken, distant. Ask God for the gift of repentance and the ability to forgive.
Now read some scripture. Take time to read the Word from the Family Scrapbook (also known as the Bible) slowly, a few times, pausing on anything that strikes you. Then ask “Lord what are you saying to me?�
Here’s some scripture you can meditate on …
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7:
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.or …
John 1:1-5, 10-14:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.How are you reacting as you dwell on the Word of God? Are you challenged, comforted, confused, angry? Imagine Jesus standing or sitting right beside you. Tell him your feelings, like a trusted friend. Then listen for his response.
Finally, close by praying this prayer that his been sung by our ancient spiritual ancestors for centuries:
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.�
Perhaps this practice will draw you close to God’s mysterious presence this Christmas Eve as we welcome the presence of the one whom we’ve visited . . . and has visited us . . . and will visit us again!
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Category: Sacramental Living Comment »