First Sunday in Advent at St. Dunstan’s - A Little Child Led Us.
Advent music and songs of hope filled the air and surrounded the newly laid creche. Sunshine flowed into the sanctuary through every available opening warming us with a tangible sense of God’s presence. A fairly new, yet familiar family sat in the front row of the wide circles of chairs laid out in the sanctuary; a young mother and her two lively and sweet children. As the service was ending with the closing hymn, one of the children seemed to notice the enormous dance floor we encircled with a creche the children had earlier filled with barn animals, and an elephant! It was like a slow dance unfolded by an unseen magnetic pull; he drew closer and closer to the creche. Captivated by this movement we all watched, wondered, and waited. Soon Sister and Mother joined him entering deeper into the holy stable. A gift had been given! A little child led us into the heart of Advent and landed on his knees. May it be so for each of us as we stay awake in our waiting, wondering, and welcoming God with us.
Advent is an irrational season, when love blooms bright and wild. Had Mary been filled with reason, there’d have been no room for the child.” Madeleine L’Engle