Liminal Space - Season of Advent

One of the things I look forward to is the Season of Advent. My family would gather in the evenings to light the advent candle, read a passage of Scripture, read the small devotional, pray, sing Christmas hymns, and blow out the candle. Maybe what capture me the most was the candles flickering in the dark or singing acapella together as a family or the sense of togetherness and being connected in the quiet evenings. All in all, the anticipation of Christmas Day as we lit the Christ candle and celebrated the birth of Jesus. The waiting was hard, sometimes seemed forever but it was so worth the wait.

We enter this liminal space in advent. It's a season of waiting and anticipation. The already and not yet. We can experience this liminal space in a variety of ways depending on our situation and circumstances. Some may be excited and anticipating all things Christmas to experience. Others may be very sad and grieving loved ones. Still others may be anxious for all the upcoming social events, activities, and so dreading this season.

Stop. Pause. Take notice of your liminal space. Notice your thoughts, memories, questions, and emotions that are stirring within you. Who do you want to be in this Christmas season? Who do you want to become?

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October Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

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