Tuesday Advent 4

Romans 8:18-30
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

When something is born, something dies. When something dies, something is also being born. We “know” that this is so, but sometimes we try to glaze over the deep meaning of those two statements.

It is good in these days just before Christmas to sit with that depth, and examine our willingness to be with the hopes, and possibly the fears, that emerge.

Are we ready?

Are we willing? What aspects of your life, even the parts that seem most certain and secure, are dying? How can you become more open to the birth of that which will be radically different from how your life is right now?

It may be helpful to practice "open hands" today. Take time to envision the fixed ideas or rigid situations (including your self image whatever that may be). Imagine that those fixed aspects are in the palm of your upward turned hand.




Think of the times that you cling to those ideas or situations,
even the ones that you know are not in your (or someone else's) best interest. Practice "openness".


Trust that all that you carry can benefit from the dynamic creative power of God that does MAKE ALL THINGS NEW. Things may take a surprising turn!


Prayer:
Gracious God, all of creation is part of the birth of newness made possible through your gift of love. We are a part of that process. Grant us peace and courage so that we may trust that “all things work together for good”…even those things that we don’t understand…and therefore fear. Through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you. Amen.