Dawn

I awakened early this morning. Early enough to "capture" dawn as it was reflected outside the bedroom window.

Soon after I received an email from the Bishop of Atlanta with a brief meditation about Advent.

To briefly quote Bishop Wright:

"Again
Advent is the season where we practice how to expect something new from God. Pay attention to the lessons for the next four Sundays. The sky and the land begin to churn. Something cosmic will touchdown locally. God initiates. Our response? We watch, wait, and make room. "

And so this day, in this land of exquisite light and quiet, I watch and wait.

Now on Adventus Time

Descending into the Albuquerque airport, the Rio Grand River came into view. Meandering its way to the sea- eventually.
Seeing the shadow formed by the river canyon, i knew I was now on shadow time.
I could sense the quiet to come.

Annual Advent Trek to New Mexico

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming".  Advent season is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for what is to come.

Every Advent season I journey to New Mexico.  I have been doing this for the last fifteen years.  New Mexico is a perfect place to slow down, to experience the anticipation of what is to come.  To be so removed from the hustle of Christmas preparations that seem to be so "loud" that any inner quiet in this time of waiting is drowned out.  Here I can hear.  This place teaches quiet.