Blind and still wandering

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This Third Sunday of Advent is on our doorstep. The lessons remind us that we are still in the wilderness – and even there the Glory of the Lord is blooming. And our blindness will be healed.

These are the times that do try our souls. The world is constantly changing, but there are times when the world does seem to be turned upside down. Times when we need to look again and reassess the framework of our spiritual cores.

Times when we feel totally “blind-sided.” A term that comes into usage to refer to those items suddenly appearing as if out of nowhere – from our blind side.

We all have them. These dastardly “blind sides.” These are the areas we have left un-examined whether from ignorance or willful ignorance or outright denial in the face of events unfolding in plain view.

This is still Advent. This is still our wilderness time. There is no “War on Christmas.” But one could well argue there is a full-scale war on Advent. No spiritually rich season has been so overtaken by outside forces.

The mystery and magic of God of the vast expanse of life, time, space and all that we see and cannot see, is being celebrated for taking on our form in the most vulnerable way possible – an infant.

The hopes and expectations of all people for all time, has come upon us and annually we enter expectantly into a tiny space in time to prepare ourselves to remember the ultimate gift of all.

To observe this singular event, we consider how to present those we love, with tiny expressions or our love. A gift to recall the wonder and mystery of the most priceless gift of all.

Is that really why we helped make Cyber Monday such a success? Or Black Friday? Or Razzle Dazzle Whatever?

The wilderness theme of Advent is to remind us that the empty spaces, the deserts and wild, overlooked places, are places of quiet and internal reflection. Places we need to spend time in to truly appreciate the mystery and magic of true gift and miracle.

And the wilderness is usually not a comfortable space to occupy. Which is all the more reason to visit.

We still have time. Sit back. Find that empty space within and check your blind spots.

What do we seek? What do we expect? What if the best Gift of Christmas, is the quiet season of Advent?

Rev. Elaine Silverstrim is a retired Episcopal priest, a member of the Wilmington Area Ministerial Association, and a resident of Wilmington.

Elaine Silverstrim

Contributing columnist

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