In the Wilderness

It's the second week of advent. Christmas decorations are appearing inside and outside. Christmas music has already been playing in the Dollar Store for a couple of weeks. The mall is getting busier. Mail carriers and couriers are working overtime burdened down with boxes and envelopes, the result of our online shopping. There is a feeling of bustle, of rising excitement, of anticipation. Christmas is coming.

For many though, that excitement seems hard to hold on too. Many find themselves trying to shake off feelings of loss, worry, discouragement. Many find themselves in a sort of wilderness rather than a place of comfort and joy, warmth and abundance. This sort of wilderness is all around us, experienced in many ways and in many places.

The book of Luke quotes the prophet Isaiah as John the Baptist is introduced. A voice crying out in the wildness, a voice that is heralding something new, a voice proclaiming hope from a place where hope is a rare commodity.

We'll spend some time this Sunday thinking about what John's message means for us as we prepare, in this Advent season, to greet our hope.