As I wrote last Sunday, we’re kind of new at this Advent thing. I grew up Word of Faith and Brian grew up charismatic-with-a-bit-of-the-crazy-thrown-in. We didn’t go to churches that practiced the ancient church calendar as kids. Then we entered the mega-church, non-denom world where you usually couldn’t even find a cross in the church, let alone ancient church practices. I know why this is and am comfortable with it.
But we of the generous orthodoxy have embraced these practices and, because we have come to them in newness, they hold all of their meaning for us. These aren’t boring old prayers we heard every Sunday or every year – it’s brand new for us. The richness and vitality, the connection and holiness of them is not lost on us.
The thing is that I just love Jesus. Part of my heritage is an unabashed love in my relationship with God. I was taught and given the example of the daily life of a Christ-follower as one of being in relationship. So I am in a constant state of prayer (after all, I have two tinies depending on me!). I have an ease in my communion with God. But just as any other relationship, I like to set aside time to really talk. Time without distraction. That’s what the Daily Offices in the Divine Hours have given me (among many other things) and this season of Advent in particular.
