Advent begins! The season of waiting. Of longing. Of learning to have faith by daring to hope that the truth is bigger and brighter and stronger than seems evident.
I frequently re-read Kathleen Norris’s wonderful collection of essays in, Amazing Grace, (along with all her other books!). This summer I was struck by the raw honesty of the “Annunciation” essay and thought – “This is where we’ll focus for Advent this year!”
To really take the virgin birth seriously (not to mention visitation by angels) is to be pretty radical. It means you’re starting to get at an actual faith in a God you can’t comprehend. Whose ways aren’t our ways. Who dares to defy our expectations, logic, systems, sensibilities, and need for control.
You have to wrestle with actual faith and be humbled by awe.
Yes. Even fear of God.
But a wonderful fear. Like standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon or the ocean, thinking, “This is too wonderful!” It’s too beautiful, too powerful, too life-giving, and too dangerous for me to take in. It’s lovely and renewing and not at all within my control. (Which, by the way, was Mary’s response to the angel!)
Kathleen Norris’ experience in church is not unusual. Many artists experience this. But not only. We all have a longing for the sacred and for mystery. And I’m so grateful God drew her to Him through her work and eventually brought her to a place where she can help renew that spirit within the Church. That’s what all of you do.
Read the full Annunciation essay by Kathleen Norris.
I’m looking forward to celebrating Advent with you this year and through your work. I hope you’ll join us over the next four Sundays as we dive deeper into Kathleen Norris’ essay and the beautiful images and writings created by Convergence members to lead us into prayer and contemplation of the Holy.