Today marks the first day of Advent and the launching of my second photo devotional. Once again, I will be using my photography as a spiritual discipline throughout the season posting a photo each day reflecting on the upcoming week's lectionary text. I hope that you will be challenged and encouraged throughout the season. And thank you... knowing that many of you will be joining me on this journey is the accountability I need to stay focused on this process throughout an otherwise very busy season!
Several others will be joining me in the process and their photos will be posted on Flickr in the group Advent 2009. If you are interesting in taking part, let me know and we'll add you to the group.
And so... we proceed to Advent, Day 1, November 29, 2009.
"Be on guard so that your hearts are not are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap..."
Luke 21:34-35
I had to look up the word "dissipate." Apparently, not only does it mean to disperse and dissolve, it also means to over indulge in sensual living, especially in relation to alcohol. The text for this week (Luke 21:25-36) ends with a warning about dissipating as we await the return of Christ. This seems to be especially true during the season of Advent. Rather than indulging in excessive celebrating and spending during the holidays, this is to be a time of fermentation, not dissipation. It is a time to wait, to rest, to age... to prepare.
2 comments:
Thank you for doing this. Also, it is good to see you back in the writing world (beyond the comprehensive exams posts of course). I look forward to reading your devotions alongside The Divine Hours (that is kind of like putting Soong Chan Rah next to Mother Theresa in the NYT)....
Peace to you,
kyle
Thank you for sharing Fermentation not Dissipation...I will use this reflection not only for the advent season but throughout next year as well.
Grace & Peace,
Joan
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