The Window to the Heart

This is a week to be drawn into the circle of God's love.

As you light 4 candles, see if you are able, in your memory, to visit a relationship or activity in which you experienced the healing power of love...

At church, we have been inviting ourselves to the lighting of the Advent wreath by singing a prayer song that originated with the brothers of Taize. We sing in Latin, and here are the words:

Magnificat, magnificat, magnificat anima mea domium.
Magnificat, magnificat, magnificat anima mea.

The words simply mean: my soul sings praise to God. It is based upon the song that Mary sang (Luke 1:47-55) after she said "yes" to the angel who announced that she would give birth to a child who would be the Son of God. We've been singing Mary's song differently each week of Advent....adding something new each week. Like the light on our Advent wreath, the song has opened an expanding, gracious space, where we have been drawn into the circle of God's love.

This week, amid all of the preparations leading up to Christmas, ask God to open the window of your heart. Ask God to visit there. Do you imagine God visiting you, in the form of an angel? Or, is God likely to be seen in the greetings you exchange with family and friends? Is God's love growing in the way that you listen....or in the words that you speak? Is it in moments of quiet or in a courageous action that you might re-experience the healing power of love? Ask God to awaken your imagination, that it may be so for you.

Blessings,

Cheryl

P.S. Last night our family went to see "Triple Espresso" at the Geva Theater. It was hilarious. This show features music, magic, and comedy that had us laughing, non-stop. If you are looking for a great activity to share with family and friends this holiday season, we highly recommend it!