Generosity and journeying

So the Advent series has drawn to a conclusion - much like the birth of a child: there is much anticipation and climax building and then, when here all must quieten in order for the babe to sleep. It is a time for even more pondering...

Over the last four weeks I have travelled with the excellent people of Stewardship on their #adventwonder series and on the way we have paused to wonder about angels, shepherds, innkeepers, gifts, Mary, Joseph, and so much more that fills the story of anticipation and arrival of the Messiah. I have deliberately set aside time to wonder about all of these aspects (I've been assisted at times by also using a little book called 'C is for Christmas' (Wiersbe and Wiersbe)) and I have become rich for the experience. My preparation for advent and Christmas itself in times past has often been the place for commenting 'I just don't feel Christmassy yet!' - on this journey I felt ready physically, emotionally and spiritually for the joyous celebration of Christ's coming to earth. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and the journeying with my friends across the world who have used the same way by using #adventwonder.

Thanks for travelling with me! (See you in February for #40acts !)

On a journey...

I suspect that on every reality show on TV the phrase 'I've been on an amazing journey' is heard more than once. I always hear and think "what a stupid thing to say!". This morning I have been wondering about this phrase as part of my reflecting on Advent - which is a journey of hope and discovery. 

In order for their to be a journey you need to move from commencement to destination, passing through "touch-points" or staging posts along the way. Most journeys are not a simple straight line, and this journey through Advent is no different.

As we travel towards Bethlehem and the arrival of the Messiah we travel through uncharted territory such as the existence and belief in angels, the prospect of a virgin birth and the vague possibility that Jesus was born in a cave not a wooden stable. These, and many others, cause us to stop, pause, reflect and move on. If we don't then the journey falters or possibly ends there and then.

Some things we need to take more time over, or return to, so that we can understand them a little better - it's not a straight road without detour, twist or turn. It is a journey of faith.

In fact our own journey of faith in Jesus is equally meandering and turning as we are challenged by His teaching, the giving of and use of Spiritual gifts, whether we display Spiritual fruits, how we live in community, whether my worship is about my preference or my motivation. Our hope rises and falls, our adoration likewise. We walk the road less travelled so there are few to help us on our way.

Perhaps a little Advent gift we could treat ourselves to is to find a travelling partner - or acknowledge the ones we already have - because travelling with a companion is always more pleasurable than travelling without.

If the reality contestants have experienced many or any of these feelings then maybe they are right - they have been on a journey.

Have you?

South America Journey - São Paolo

Our South Amercian journey has commenced! 

Although still in transit there has already been some excitement in the airport in São Paolo - unable to find the right terminal or whether our luggage has been transferred a comedy of errors led us through security three times and ultimately to Terminal 3 in São Paolo airport waiting for our onward flight to Asuncion.

Little to say at this point other than the group is in good spirits and looking forward to 'landing' so we can be involved in ministry.

A little footnote to this early day is that. In conversation with a fellow traveller in the arrivals hall we discovered a mutual friend - one of the local officers in the Division!

Prayers please for the team to gel together, thanksgiving for our hosts and grace for those we will minister with and to.