I love history, so you can imagine my giddiness when I had the chance to tour Canterbury Cathedral. Founded in the late 6th century, the current structure dates back 900 years or so. Simply walking into that majestic and ancient place was awe-inspiring, but to be honest, what really took my breath, and what I remember now after 20 years, was the floor. More specifically, I remember the ruts worn into it. It was stone, the floor, but it was no match for a thousand years of pilgrims. How many footfalls does it take to wear a groove into stone? And what number was I?
I find myself thinking of that cathedral floor now as we begin a new Christian year. You and I have stepped onto the well-worn path of Advent that leads to a certain manger in a certain stable. We know that. We know where we’re going, and we know the way. Do you want to find Bethlehem and the “good news of great joy”? Just follow in the rut of the countless pilgrims who’ve walked this season before.
Yes, that’s right, I’m saying Advent is a rut, but it’s a rut every bit as impressive as the Canterbury floor. It is a rut shaped by glorious repetition. And now it starts again. Prophets promise; Gabriel knocks; Mary agrees; Joseph believes; John leaps; Mary sings; Caesar taxes; doors close; animals rustle; Jesus cries; angels sing; shepherds visit. Glory to God. And we do our part: singing hope; making peace; rejoicing together; being love; welcoming Jesus; sharing grace. It’s a well-worn path but a journey our souls need.
In fact, the rut of the season will be different for our having walked it again. Maybe someone more scientifically inclined than I could explain how I changed that ancient worn floor the day I walked through Canterbury Cathedral. Did I deepen microscopically the rut? Through my subtle foot-dragging, did I buff and reveal some previously unknown layer of stone? I’d like to think so.
What I know for sure is that in our journey this year, you and I will find something new on the oft-traveled path of Advent because, well, WE are new since last Advent. Together in the year 2022 a glorious band of pilgrims called Glenn Memorial UMC will wear the old path new. Who knows what we will reveal together?
In Christ,
Rev. Mark
Want to be a part of Rev. Mark’s Advent study beginning this Thursday? Get the zoom link here. Details Below:
An Advent Time of Study, Reflection, and Prayer
Thursdays, 11:30am, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 | Zoom
Join with Pastor Mark as we use bestselling author Rev. Adam Hamilton’s Incarnation Advent book to look at the meaning behind the names of Christ, giving historical and spiritual significance of his birth and how the meaning behind the names might affect the difference He makes in our lives this Christmas. RSVP for Zoom link (or request a copy of the book) with Kat Griffith kgriffith@glennumc.org 404.634.3936. Optional – order a copy of the book here.
