Today marks the second Sunday of Advent. Advent is all about waiting, and waiting often involves mixed emotions. Waiting is so hard to do in any season of life, and in any age. Perhaps it is most difficult today in an instant gratification culture, where “we want the world, and we want it now” (Jim Morrison, lyrics to “When the Music’s Over,” The Doors). No matter how young or how old, it is difficult to wait and cope with mixed emotions. This post recounts the events surrounding John the Baptist’s birth, the mixed emotions associated with it, and its bearing on our lives today.
When your trauma goes to church, things can sometimes get dicey. This is a picture of me and my sweet Maltese-Poodle mix named Aspen. She's 12 years old I am a huge fan of the arts. I love to go to Orchestra Hall in Detroit to listen to the world-famous Detroit Symphony Orchestra. I feel the same about art and history museums, outdoor music festivals, or a James Taylor concert. The most intriguing, though, are plays, whether it's Showboat, My Fair Lady, or Hamilton. I say intriguing because whenever I go to a stage play or musical, it seems I bring my whole self into the experience. The same is true when I read a captivating story or a particularly meaningful movie. As I sit, taking in the characters, the set, and the story, I wonder what I might have done in the same situation. I ask myself, how would I behave, given my life experiences? The same is true on Sunday. You bring your whole self with you to church, even your trauma.