Advent: Listening for the Word

Last updated on: November 25, 2011 at 5:03 am by Greg Richardson

Advent: Listening for the Word 2011-11-25T05:03:01-08:00 Greg Richardson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Advent is the season in the liturgical year which precedes Christmas. It is a season of preparation and anticipation, of listening and openness.

Listen:

John’s Gospel says that “In the beginning was the Word,” and that “the Word became flesh and lived among us.”

Listen:

People traveled to seek advice from early Christian monastics, the Desert Mothers and Fathers, who were known for the depth of their spiritual wisdom. They would ask, “Amma, give me a word,” or, “Abba, give me a word.” The words they received offered wisdom from the experience of the monastics for the way people lived their lives.

The people who asked for the words came openly and intentionally seeking wisdom, and anticipated hearing words of truth and significance. They came expecting to hear words that would change their lives. The words they received, if they were open to them, would do that.

Listen:

I have friends who belong to churches where part of their worship each week is to ask, “Does anyone have a word?” Members of the congregation who have received a word will share it, and those for whom it is intended will receive it. Again, people come with a sense of anticipation and openness, willing to hear a word that is shared.

People have shared with me words that they have received for me. I have received words myself, for myself and to share with others. If I am open, those words can change my life.

Listen:

It can become easy for us to miss the “words” that are meant for us. We may not be open, or may not trust the messenger who brings a word to us. We may not be anticipating the possibilities, and miss the depth and the meaning of words that have the potential to change our lives. We may miss the power of the words that have become flesh and live among us today.

What word are you anticipating? Are you listening?

[Image by Pleuntje]

Blog

Spiritual Practices

Previous Post

November 23, 2011

Brewing an Authentic Thanksgiving

Next Post

November 26, 2011 Book Review: Prayer in the Cave of the Heart

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Blog Book Reviews Everything Else Guest Posts Leadership Monastic Strategies Neighborhood Pilgrimages Sacred Stillness Spiritual Direction Spiritual Practices Work

Select a Month May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who pleaded with Joseph for Benjamin's release?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Naphtali Reuben Judah Levi