Scripture ~ But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Spiritual Focus ~ “Hope” is the thing with feathers -That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all.” “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” by Emily Dickinson
Breath Prayer ~ Hope, in the Lord
Devotion ~ The liturgical season of Advent invites us into the story of the coming of Jesus. The word advent comes from the Latin meaning “coming,” and the season is a period of preparation for the particular coming of the Christ child. Many Christian traditions guide our preparation during the four weeks of Advent. One common tradition is to light a candle on each of the Sundays around the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. This first week we light the candle of hope.
During the 1950s and ‘60s many churches held Advent services on the Wednesday evenings leading up to Christmas, much like the Lenten services that precede Easter. Some congregations included a service project with the Wednesday night service. One opportunity was to write letters and send care packages to young adults who had moved away from home for college or military service. The letters and packages were meant to alleviate their weariness and remind them of their church home so that they would not feel forgotten. The intention was to give young people hope for their future homecoming.
Hope is a powerful antidote when one is weary. Hope is what sustained the people of Israel as they grew weary waiting for a savior. Today’s scripture reminds us that the Lord is the source of our hope and strength.
The spirit of hope comes from a place deep within us where it perches lightly in our soul. This experience of hope is not dependent on service nor any words or deeds but rather on a coming home to the body. Hope is often found in a stillness when we get quiet and listen to the tune without words. In yoga this homecoming resides in our bodies and our breath. As we prepare for the Christ child’s home coming this Advent season, let us find moments of stillness to renew our strength with the hopeful intention that it becomes a practice all year long.
