|
Every year my friend Susi writes a book of reflections to accompany folks through the Liturgical season of Advent. Inspired by the rich imagery of the “O Antiphons,” each day the reflections invite us to imagine God in a new way, and to name that new image in our prayer. Some of my favorite examples include, “O Peace-Speaker,” “O Lifter of the Valleys,” and “O, Universal Potter.”
As I was reflecting on this beautiful imagery, I started to consider the winding path of my own concept of God. When I was young, when I closed my eyes and imagined God I saw a kindly grandfather at the top of a golden ladder to the clouds. Many of my undergrad students articulate a similar God-concept- an old, white, anthropomorphic ruler. With the help of Elizabeth Johnson’s Quest for the Living God, I gently encourage the students to begin traversing the path to understanding God in new and robust ways. By the end of the semester, when asked to answer the question “Who is God?” the students respond with photos of sunsets and sunrises, vast oceans, and scenic landscapes. They are beginning to discover God’s much-ness.
As we journey together through this Advent season of hope, I pray that we too can stay alert and find God’s much-ness throughout our days. Maybe we find God in the white-haired grandfather, or the newborn child. Or maybe we see God in the single mother Christmas shopping for her children, the gentle snowfall, or the single candle lit on the Advent wreath. No matter how God comes to us, our faith tells us that if we remain vigilant, and if we have the eyes to see, God will come.
O come, O come, Emmanuel!
|
