Advent 2020 is upon us. The end of a year like no other. The hope of things to come. The preparations for celebrating the Christmas holiday. We hear that Advent is a season of waiting. Recently, I heard the challenge to listen deeply. As I engage in this Advent waiting, I am drawn to this idea of listening deeply—to others, to myself, to life.
I encourage us to take some time and ask God what that phrase means for each of us. For me, I know listening involves paying close attention to life as it presents itself moment by moment. I’m called to not resist life but allow God to open my spiritual eyes and to heal my blind spots. This type of listening calls for less words and more silence. In keeping with that spirit, this month my only words are to challenge each of us to sit with the phrase listen deeply, and ask God to lead and guide us along that path as we finish out 2020.
I leave you with two of my favorite Advent traditions—a poem and a prayer. The poem is God’s invitation to us, and the prayer is our response—our invitation to God.
OPEN THE DOOR
When you step over
The threshold of Christmas
There’s a mystery
For you to explore.
A story.
A message.
Rich beauty.
The music of color and love.
There’s a sense
Of the Creator’s presence.
The wonder of childlike joy.
The texture of worship.
The power of peace.
Turn the handle
And open the door.
—Greg Asimakoupoulos
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, Send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!” Amen.
—Henri Nouwen
As we encounter dazzling Christmas lights everywhere, may we be reminded to seek the natural light of God, the Divine, and listen deeply.
God bless you.
Held by Love 
You can’t come to Lake Ozark & not come visit me…would love to see you & Dave!
Thanks so much for the Advent Inspiration!💕
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That is right Paula. I did forget that you live there now!!! It was a very last minute trip but we loved it so we will be back!! And I will contact you.
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Beautiful, Cherry!
Merry Christmas!
[Image.jpeg] Sincerely,
Daniel
Dr. Daniel Schuetz Inst. Asst. Prof. of Voice Illinois State University 309-825-9502 504 Maple Place Normal, IL 61761-3930 https://youtu.be/AG5NtcCwYzU ________________________________
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Thank you Daniel. Merry Christmas to you too!
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Beautifully written, Cherry. Listen in silence…so challenging in our time, but of great necessity!
God bless you and Dave with a joyful, expectant Advent.
Pat
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Thank you for reading Pat and your encouragement. A Blessed Advent to you and yours as well.
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Thank you for sharing, Cherry. I can always just feel the love that exudes from your writing. And love the idea of listening deeply…obedience.
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Dear Cherry,
Merry Christmas, I hope this Christmas exceeded your wildest dreams. Yes.
I wanted to thank you. Your Advent post, LISTENING DEEPLY, caught a hold of me and just wouldn’t let go. Daily during this Advent something about ‘listening’ and ‘deeply’ kept drawing me back to a memory… a voice… and then various readings, which I went back and reread to find that they had been imprinted on my soul, having been buried under all the whirlwind of events this past year.
I wondered if you could share your experience of LISTENING DEEPLY.
We pray your visit with the girls is going well and we also pray for your safe journey back.
Merry Christmas.
Peace David and Ann
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Dear Cherry,
Listening with your eyes is a great meditation. The attached extends the notion of listening to that of your whole being.
Peace David
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