Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish once these waters reach there. It will become fresh, and everything will live where the river goes. Ezekiel 47: 9
Where do you go for refreshment? Where do you go for healing? Could Advent be a time to ask these questions?
Ezekiel 47 presents a vision. It is a vison of hope, of restoration, of radical welcome. It is a vision of God’s presence spoken to a people who, after exile, are sorely in need of such a word. Ezekiel is led to the temple where he sees flowing water coming out from under the door. As we discover, this water, which flows with increasing volume, is the presence of God. Ezekiel first just dips a toe, but soon is immersed in the water! Ezekiel is immersed in God’s promise to heal and restore what was broken.
I’m not sure that we often think of Advent as a time of reflection and repentance. There is a lot to do! Choir practice, Christmas pageants, gifts, parties!!! Everyday seems to have a seasonal activity. But, I wonder, in the midst of all the prep, are we willing to take a moment or two to consider…to ponder. Where is the brokenness God comes to heal when God is born into the world? This birth we are awaiting, is it a refreshment? Does it flow into our lives opening us to visions of hope, healing, welcome, restoration?
Every Advent the carol that rings in my ears speaks the words, “Christ is born for this.” To be a flowing river of God’s presence into a waiting world.
Let us pray. O God incarnate, we are waiting in a world, and in lives, with brokenness, and need and division. Remind us that you are coming to bring healing. Let your loving presence flow into our hearts and restore our hope. Amen.
The Rev. Ghislaine Cotnoir (she/her), Director of Pastoral Care- Artman Home and The Hearth at Drexel
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