A still, small voice … whispers “Where is the hope?” A circle of friends … gather, light candles and through tears, gasp “There must be hope.” Nations of people … shake their heads and mumble “Is hope possible?”
Phrases like … “It’s hopeless” ... “I can’t even hope that change will happen” … “Hope doesn’t exist” seem to be popping up in conversations, more and more lately as illness, grief, aging, politics, broken relationships, fear surface and seem to take over thoughts, feelings, perceived reality. Hope seems to be elusive.
Consider these words by Natalie Sleath “In the bulb there is a flower, in the seed, an apple tree. In cocoons, a hidden promise, butterflies will soon be free!” She broadens the theme of hope reminding readers that “In the cold and snow of winter, there’s a spring that waits to be … and that “There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody … a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me,” further reminding us that “from the past will come the future, what it holds, a mystery”.
While Natalie Sleath’s poem/song gently references belief in a Higher Power/God/Creator, even without those references, her words are a powerful reminder that there is always hope. <Natalie Sleath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpqHE84LAAw>
There have been times in my life when hope has been elusive but it’s never been gone. When I stand on my back deck and look at the evening skies, there’s something that draws me to gaze in awe. Not a gorgeous sunset – no birds flying overhead dotting the horizon. Really, nothing spectacular. And maybe that’s the wonder of it all … the hope.
In their simplicity, the slight colour differences in the sky peering through the almost-barren trees, a sense of peace and calm is portrayed and hope fills in / returns to my soul. There is always hope.
The theme of ‘hope’ for the first week of the Season of Advent is so appropriate – and timely as are the adapted words of songwriters Jill Jackson & Sy Milleron. Their “Let There Be Peace on Earth” words are a reminder on this First Sunday in Advent that each of us can be a part of bringing hope to our world … ““Let there be hope on earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be hope on earth, the hope that was meant to be. With ev’ry step I take, let this be my solemn vow – to take each moment and live each moment in hope eternally. Let there be hope on earth, and let it begin with me.”
May the Season of Advent be an opportunity for hope … to be welcomed May the Season of Advent be an opportunity for hope … to be experienced May the Season of Advent be an opportunity for hope … to be shared.
And may all be blessed with a bundle – a cupful … or even just a ‘drop’ of hope each day. May this Season of Advent bring a blessing … a blessing of hope to our world.
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As always, you are welcome to comment and share. Thank you.
Whether we like it or not, stores are beginning to display Christmas decorations and play Christmas music; Christmas trees are going up in homes, businesses and offices; inflatable Santas are appearing on lawns – and it’s not even the month of December yet!
Why the rush? I can’t help but wonder if people know about the Season of Advent – four precious weeks which begin a gentle countdown to Christmas. And it begins this Sunday for those living in the west.
Some think that the Season of Advent is just for Christians. It’s not. Many non-Christians follow some of these customs as well and adopt them as part of their holiday preparation.
Want to know more? I’ve updated a description of some of the symbols and traditions of the Season of Advent (and some Christmas traditions as well) below. As usual, you are welcome to share this/any Soulistry reflection with others. The specific link to this Soulistry reflection is https://soulistry.com/journey-through-advent
Instead of the busyness and hectic weeks leading up to Christmas (which many usually experience before Christmas Day) there could be a gentle waiting, anticipation and preparation for Christmas in the adoption of one or more of these traditions and particularly this year, inculcate a spirit of gentleness, calm and peace-filled preparation for the upcoming holidays.
May the Season of Advent bring blessings more than we can ask or imagine! June Maffin
Blessing / Gratitude Box / Jar: Advent is an opportunity to “be still” and be aware of the blessings in life and the Gratitude/Blessing (Box/Jar) is a tangible way of encouraging such an attitude.
Take a small box, put a slot in the lid, wrap the box to look like a gift, place it in a central location so that gifts of money can be placed into it each day in thankful gratitude. Invite everyone in the family/house to note the things for which they”re grateful and then have each person choose a currency for each ‘blessing’ on the list and contribute accordingly from their allowance, spending money, earnings, savings etc..
For example – Deposit a quarter (or nickel or dime or dollar or whatever (for each notation on the list) if you had at least two meals that day – for each glass of water consumed that day – for each hour of television you watched that day – for every electrical appliance you used that day – for every light bulk in your home – for each person who has visited a doctor in the past year – for each phone call or text you made that day – for each toilet in your home – for each bath/shower you used that day – for each time the dryer, washer, dishwasher, iron were used that day. Add a quarter (or dime or loonie – whatever) if you’re wearing clothes that have only belonged to you, if you have a bed of your own to sleep, if your house is kept warm (or cool) by anything other than the weather. Have adults add up the total number of years your family members have gone to school and put a dime/quarter/etc. into the box for each year and each person. The list is individual for each family and individual and many other things could be added to the list. The collected money can then be given to a local/global charity. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Advent Calendar: Many Advent Calendars have little doors numbered for each day throughout the Season of Advent which open to reveal a small gift, treat, symbol of Christmas, Bible verse and each day of Advent, a door is opened.
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Advent Candles: Used for centuries to symbolize Jesus Christ as the Light of the World, they remind believers of the way that Jesus changed the darkness of hatred and evil into the light of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love … themes of the Season of Advent.
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Colours of the Season of Advent: In Roman and Orthodox Christian traditions, purple is the preferred colour while in Protestant and Episcopal/Anglican the colour of royal blue is growing in popularity. The colour blue is reflected in Nature during Advent’s time of the year in much of the western hemisphere when slight colour differences in the sky peer through almost-barren-trees (like this photo taken from our back deck), evening skies no longer reveal the gorgeous sunsets of summer, and birds flying overhead dotting the horizon are seen less frequently. Really nothing spectacular. And yet, maybe its simplicity is its beauty, encouraging us to slow down and be mindful of the gentle wonder of the Season of Advent.
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The Advent Wreath: is circle-shaped as a reminder to those who believe in the Creator / Higher Power/God that there is no beginning and no end to always has been, is now and will be, forever and is a reminder of eternal life forever with God for believers. The four candles around the wreath (one lit on each Sunday morning of the Season of Advent) represent the four Sundays of Advent. The colour of the candles is either purple or royal blue (refer to Advent Colours above) except for the one in the middle of the Advent Wreath which is white candle, symbolizing the light of Jesus and is the last candle to be lit (on Christmas Eve). Some traditions include a pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent. The lighting of the candles for the four weeks of Advent can simply be a ritual without religious connotation.
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The Yule Log has the longest history of all Advent traditions. A burning log was a symbol of home and safety even back in the days of cave-dwellers where fire kept wild animals away from the cave.
The Yule Log tradition (a variation of the Advent Wreath) began in Scandinavian countries when, months before Christmas, a tree was chosen, cut down and allowed to dry so that when it was decorated with ribbons and candles were inserted and then set ablaze (lit from a portion of the previous year’s Yule Log – symbolizing eternity), families made amends with one another. All quarrels were to be forgotten and families were to draw closer together in love and they prayed that their hearts would remain warm throughout the coming year.
The Yule Logsometimeshas sufficient candles to represent each day throughout Advent including four royal blue (or purple) candles for each Sunday in Advent and a large white candle in the centre to represent the birth of Jesus. As in the Advent Wreath, the intensity of light grows each day, with each candle that is lit until there is a blaze of light when the birth of Jesus is celebrated on Christmas.
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Blue Christmas: In the afternoon/early evening of the third Sunday in the Season of Advent, a liturgy (known as ‘Blue Christmas’ … or ‘When Christmas Hurts’ … or ‘Time To Mourn, Time To Heal’) is offered in many churches, communities or funeral homes. For some, Christmas may be a painful reminder of their loss of a loved family member or friend who has died. It may be a stressful time due to financial constraints. The constant refrain on radio and tv and in shopping malls about the happiness of the holiday season and getting together with family and friends can remind people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation, the fear of possible ramifications of political decisions – each can contribute to a feeling of being alone in the midst of celebrations.
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Cards: The tradition of sending Christmas greetings began in England as school children, away from home, wrote Christmas letters home during the Season of Advent to their parents in their best penmanship. Adults also sent Christmas cards to their friends. In 1840, the Christmas card as we now know it, is said to have first appeared.
Designed by William Egley, a young engraver’s apprentice, the card showed people singing Christmas carols, giving food to the poor and dancing. Since that time, the tradition of making homemade Christmas cards and sending Advent letters reviewing the events of the past year have become part of the Christmas preparation.
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The Nativity Scene: The creche / manger / Nativity (representing the scene of Jesus’ birth) was first made by St. Francis of Assisi around the year 122 C.E. when he realized that people in his little village in Italy had lost sight of the real meaning of Christmas. When the Nativity Scene is on display in homes or public areas during Advent, the creche/manger where Jesus was born is empty until Christmas Eve or Christmas morning when the Baby is added. The Magi are reserved for the Season of Epiphany (which begins January 6th in western celebrations) and are not added to the Nativity Scene until that time.
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Holiday Foods: There are many fascinating customs throughout the world when it comes to Advent and Christmas celebrations. Armenians eat fried fish and boiled spinach; Albanians eat pancakes made without oil or butter leaving a spoonful of food on the plate indicating gratitude for having more than they need. In Poland, special nativity cookies are baked which are stamped with scenes of the Nativity (Creche/Manger) and they exchange nativity cookies in the same way others in Advent exchange Christmas cards. When dinner is served, an empty chair is placed for the Holy Child and a few straws are scattered on the dinner table to remind everyone of the Stable in which Christ was born.
In North America, mince pie is a favourite tradition which began in England as mutton pie, first baked in loaf pans in the shape of the Manger; the top crust was cut to look like the baby wrapped in cloths and the suet looked like straw; the apples and raisins represent “plenty” – the generosity of God; and the spices represent the gifts of the Magi. At one time, eating pies was believed to bring good luck so people would eat one pie each day between Christmas and Epiphany perhaps heralding the making of little pies (tarts) of today.
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Christmas Gifts: In the pre-Christian Roman Empire, it was common to give symbolic gifts at the beginning of the new year: a gift of sweets to make the year sweeter for the recipient … a gift of a lamp so the year might be filled with light … the gift of a coin so it would be a prosperous new year. Early Christians didn’t make much of Christmas (the day of Christ’s birth). It wasn’t until the Bishop Liberious of Rome decreed that people should celebrate December 25th as when Christ was born possibly because the Romans had used that date as the feast of Saturn, the sun god, and Christians honoured Christ as the Light of the World.
Around the 16th century, people commonly received three gifts representing something pleasant (e.g. perfume), something useful (e.g. a wooden spatula) and something to enrich their spirituality (e.g. a book on prayer). In some countries, gifts are exchanged on Epiphany, January 6th because presents symbolize the gifts brought by the Magi to the Christ Child.
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Christmas Ornaments: In Germany, the first Christmas trees were decorated with fruit, gilded nuts, paper roses and the Christ Child. Later, glass balls in beautiful colours replaced the fruit. In North America, the first ornaments were homemade – long strings of popcorn and cranberries, paper chains and paper stars. On trees in Poland, peacocks and birds joined angels and stars on the tree. Swedish people hang gaily painted wooden ornaments and straw figures of animals and children. In Denmark there are mobiles of bells, stars, snowflakes, hearts and sometimes tiny Danish flags. The Japanese adorn their trees with tiny fans and paper lanterns. Lithuanian women make straw birdcages, stars and geometric shapes. Czechoslovakian trees are hung with ornaments made of painted eggshells and a spider and web for good luck because of the legend of the poor woman who had nothing to put on her child’s tree until Christmas morning when she woke to find the branches covered with spider’s webs turned to silver by the rising sun. Chrismons (see below) are special ornaments.
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Christmas Stockings: Bishop Nicholas (later to be known as St. Nicholas lived around 325 C.E. and he secretly would give a gift of money to needy families. When he tossed the gold coins in the window one night, some landed in the stockings that had been hung to dry in front of the fireplace, so people hang Christmas Stockings in the hope that the spirit of St. Nicholas will visit them, too.
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The Christmas Tree: is a symbol of everlasting life – living forever with God. According to legend, the first Christmas Tree was revealed one Christmas Eve over 120 years ago. The English missionary, Winfred (later named St. Boniface) was trying to win people for Christ. He found a group gathered at a large oak tree about to sacrifice a little prince to their god, Thor. Winifred stopped them, cut down the tree and as it fell, a young fir tree sprang up. Winfred told the tribespeople about the birth of Christ and that the fir tree was a symbol of goodness and love that should be taken into their homes.
Others believe that the Christmas Tree tradition began in the 16th century with Martin Luther who was inspired by the beauty of tall evergreens against a starry sky. He cut down a tree, took it home to his family, placed lighted candles on the branches and said that they stood for the stars in the heavens above Bethlehem.
Chrismons: are ornaments made in the shape of Christian symbols – reminders of God’s unconditional love expressed through the life of Jesus Christ. The word ‘Chrismon’ is a combination of ‘Christ’ and ‘monogram’. Many of the monograms of Christ were used by Early Christians to identify themselves to one another and to designate meeting locations and places of worship often secret location). Usually made in colour combinations of white, gold and silver to symbolize the purity and majesty of God’s son, Chrismons are often hung on Jesse Trees during the Season of Advent, which are lit by tiny lights (white to represent the Light of the world; blue to represent the Hope of the world – and the Season of Advent). In former times, Chrismons were crocheted from white cotton but more recently, they have been made from felt (sometimes styrofoam), decorated with gold and silver spray, braid, sequins, glitter etc. and white ribbon is used to hang them on the Jesse Tree.
Some symbols used as Chrismons include: STAR (the star that guided the Magi); LIGHT (Jesus, the Light of the world); BOAT (with Christ, the storms of life can be sailed through; FISH (connection to Early Christians who used the fish symbol to self-identify their home as a Christian home); BIRD (dove/Holy Spirit which encourage the spiritual journey); ANGEL (angels who awoke the shepherds announcing Jesus’ birth); CIRCLES (reminder of the earth / Creation and God’s love which has no ending; different colours remind of the various colours of people on earth); PAPER CHAIN (the linking together of the Nations and People who are held together by God’s love); BELLS (announced “good news” of Jesus’ birth); CANDY CANES (the staff/cane of shepherds who were the first to visit the Christ Child); TRUMPET (the heralding of Jesus’ birth); and so many more. Sometimes, images and people in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) are used to decorate Jesse Trees and Scripture is read as the symbol was hung on the tree Moses – burning bush (Exodus 3); Noah – rainbow (Genesis 9); Jacob – ladder (Genesis 28); Joseph – coat of many colours (Genesis 37); Abraham and Sarah – tent (Genesis 21 & 22); David – Star of David (1 & 2 Samuel) etc.
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Holly: In the time when Christians were being persecuted because of their religion, they decorated their houses as the Romans did so they wouldn’t be noticed. As the numbers of Christians grew and Christianity became accepted, they gave the holly new meaning and it became part of the tradition of preparation for Christmas. Because holly keeps its berries all year, it signifies everlasting life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse Tree: The Jesse Tree had its beginnings in medieval times and in early times, churches added Jesse Trees to large carvings, tapestries and stained glass windows to help the illiterate people of the time to learn about the Bible from Creation to the Christmas Story. The ‘name’ (Jesse) comes from the father of King David (an ancestor of Jesus). The people of Israel expected their Messiah to be born from King David’s line (“A sprout from the root of Jesse”) and the image of ‘tree’ revolves around an understanding that tree branches are signs of new life/ new beginnings. As Jesus was a descendent of King David, Christians believe that the Jesse Tree is Jesus’ “family tree.” In recent times, the Jesse Tree has been used as an Advent Calendar where each day through Advent (or when used in congregational settings, just on the four Sundays of The Season of Advent) a Chrismon is hung on the tree.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ADVENT CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
In Denmark, three things mark the Season of Advent: Nisse decorations (Nisse are the Danes’ response to Santa’s elves) and house cleaning home/yard/stables and barns (which must be completed by Christmas Eve), Calendar Candles (candles that are lit and burned just a little bit over night until it is finished on Christmas Eve) and Christmas Calendars where students bring a small wrapped package and then students take a turn opening a gift one of the days leading up to Christmas.
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In Finland, candles play an important role in the Season of Advent and often snow lanterns with candles burning in them show up in front and back yards.
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In the Netherlands, December 6th (St. Nicholas Day) is a day of great excitement for the children. Sinterklaas arrives by boat and then strolls through the town and city streets, delivering candies, nuts and treats in the wooden shoes the children leave out before they go to bed that night.
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In Mexico, the nine-day Las Posada procession begins on December 16th where a boy and girl are chosen to play Joseph and Mary and others carry candles, lanterns and and often, an empty manger. Often the procession sings at a particular house, asking for a room for Mary and Joseph and the homeowners respond in song. Other Advent Mexican customs include the breaking of a star-shaped pinata, the sharing of a meal and the sharing of Nacimientos (small creches – often homemade).
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In the Philippines, Advent begins at 4:00 am on December 16th when church bells ring and the Misa de Gallo (the Mass of the Rooster) begins (some believe) to show penance. The Philippines hold the title of the “Longest Celebrated Advent/Christmas Season) because carols are sung from September to January as parols (star-shaped lanterns) are usually lit with candles.
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A PERSONAL ASIDE: I love the Season of Advent and enjoy making crafts and Christmas gifts in the Season accompanied by gentle quiet music that slowly welcomes me into the ambience of Advent.
I set up a Christmas tree and decorate it with Royal Blue lights and it remains up for the entire Season of Advent. Then in four weeks time, the blue lights are replaced by red and green and white lights as Christmas crafts I’ve made over the years, Christmas cards and decorations slowly emerge until the culmination of Christmas Day for me … turkey! And on Boxing Day … turkey sandwiches with Vancouver Island cranberries made into homemade cranberry sauce. Yay!
The Season of Advent and the Season of Christmas can be gentle and wonderful (wonder-filled) experiences leading to the Season of Epiphany when the tree now has only white lights on it – white … the colour of the Season of Epiphany. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Right now, my focus is on the Season of Advent.
To that end, on each of the Sundays in Advent, a Soulistry reflection will be posted. On Christmas Day – another reflection.
And then, on each of the Twelve Days of Christmas, there will be a separate Soulistry reflection. 🙂
Whether observing these Seasons as part of a religious practice, out of curiosity, or simply because you want to have something to help you move your focus away from the political rancour and rhetoric and on to exploring and experiencing spirituality as part of your being, you’re welcome to subscribe – receive each of the ‘Soulistry’ reflections during the Seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent as well as other reflections. Personal information is never shared or sold to anyone or any organization.
May the four weeks of the Season of Advent bring blessings your way more than you can ask or imagine.
June Maffin https://soulistry.com/blog @soulistryjune.bsky.social
Have you ever started to create a new dish for supper only to realize it wasn’t going to be salvageable unless you did some “thinking out of the box”?
Have you ever created a greeting card or a painting or a sketch or some jewellery or … and discovered it was a mess and you were going to have to “think out of the box” to salvage/redeem/fix it – or discard it?
What about those times when … well, fill in your own blanks.
I’d been playing with art deco roses inspired by Charles Rennie Macintosh lately, and decided I was ready to turn ‘practicing’ into ‘making’ a card. I had fun making it, but when I stepped-back and looked at it, I realized that it was cluttered. It looked terrible. Really – a mess. So I put it on the mantle and looked at it from various angles.
And then I realized – because of the design of the card, I could “cut” out the bottom right hand corner of the card. But then what? What a strange-looking card that would be.
So I began to extend my thoughts ‘outside the box’ and realized that I could write something on the inside of the card that would be visible from the front of the card. I’m sure others have intentionally created such a card, but I’d not ever seen one, so it was a new possibility for me.
But I wasn’t finished. What would I do with the image that was on the front of the card that was making the card look so cluttered? I could discard it … or I could cut out the image and put it on the inside of the card.
So I cut – and cut – and cut … reducing the original ‘mess’ until all I was left with was a single rose and a little bit around it.
At first, I was sure that the card was going to be discarded, but then the thought came to me: “I think it’s now salvageable.” And that got me thinking again.
Thinking about other things: artwork, sewing projects, meals, political situations and yes, even personal relationships .. things, situations and relationships which, at first glance I think need to be discarded. But maybe – not completely?
The world is in chaos around a variety of issues – like the environment. Are there ways politicians can “think outside the box” … and help create possibilities of life for future generations? Or is the world and its inhabitants going to disappear?
When it comes to personal life how often do we keep our self-critical voice alive with “this is a mess” – “this isn’t salvageable” – “this is …” type of thinking when it comes to our personal relationships?
And what can be done about it when we find ourselves in such situations?
Working on the card, I was reminded (again) … do not give up … consider possibilities … think ‘beyond-beyond’ – aka “think out of the box.”
Another day – another lesson learned. And this time, a simple handmade greeting card became my teacher.
Some days, it seems as if the “rising-waters-of-life” are too much, and there’s nothing we can do.
I remember one such time well. My place of employment was vandalized – again. This time, the vandals pushed a hose through the window of the bathroom in my office, turned on the faucet and disappeared. I wasn’t in the office when it happened but came back in, moments later as the water poured into my office. I could feel the stress rising within me.
That experience has become an apt image for me over the years of those “rising-waters-of-life” times when exterior circumstances are such that I feel flooded-with-stress.
What about you? Can you relate to an experience – in the past? What about now?
Are the personal ‘waters of your life’ rising? Are personal stressors of health, finances, relationships, pummelling your emotional inner shores? Is anger, depression, exhaustion, grief, worry about your future/that of a loved one, further pounding your emotions? Distress robs us of living life to the fullest. Distress denies us the opportunity to be whole in body, mind and spirit.
If we were honest, we would admit that some personal distresswaters can be avoided if we paid attention to our bodies, minds and souls in particular ways like caring for our bodies: driving carefully, eating sensibly, getting adequate amounts of rest, having regular dentist and doctor check-ups, following doctor’s advice, not worrying while waiting for results of medical tests; exercising our minds: reading books, listening to various kinds of music, playing an instrument, developing a hobby, learning a new language; nourishing our souls: savouring the beauty of the world around us; being humbled by the awareness of the gift of our life; being appreciative of, and thankful for, the blessings around us, sitting still and be-ing.
What about the corporate distress waters that are rising quickly these days – global stressors of politics, terrorism, lack of access to clean water, fresh air, food, housing, medical/dental care? What about the rising waters of dictators, autocrats, loss of democracy?
Are any of these corporate distress waters flooding your thoughts and bringing about sleepless nights?
Some would say that little can be done about corporate distress. But, perhaps, there are things — when elections happen, we can … exercise our right to vote at each election (municipal, provincial/state, national/federal) and cast our ballot for the candidates we think will make a positive difference in the environment, legal system, health care, educational system, security, environment etc. The United States has just had their election for the head of their country. Canada will have their election in October 2025. In general, we can … become involved in local communities and volunteer time to organizations which work so faithfully at inculcating morals and values; work with and care for our youth, the elderly, the unemployed, the single parent families, the abused, the victimized, the homeless, the hungry, the mentally ill, the addicted, etc.
We can pray – however we understand that word – pray that the evil (for there is evil in the world) doesn’t overwhelm us, infiltrate the hearts and minds of our youth, contaminate politicians, corporations and institutions any further … pray that goodness will reign; hope will be experienced; inner joy will permeate each woman, child, man, youth; wisdom will be respected; and peace, not conflict or war, will be the mandate of all governments and societies.
And we can share with another – be that a trusted friend, colleague, mentor, counsellor, loved one … and give the fear a voice so that it no longer is trapped within us.
Yes, let’s name the “rising waters of life” that frighten, numb, shock. “Naming” our feelings, our reactions … whether large or small, big or little distress, there IS something we can do to reduce the impact in our daily living of the rising-waters-of-nature/personal concerns/corporate concerns to hopefully will help us rise above the rising waters. May it be so.
I keep hearing the cry … “what is hope?” . the cry … “where is hope?” as results of the Presidential election in the United States were announced. Things have changed – are changing – will change – dramatically.
Lives (bodies, minds, spirits) will be assaulted by threats, violence, racism, sexism, broken promises, and more lies. Slowly, people will begin to realize that Project 2025 is real, as families are separated, the economy worsens and darkness descends in areas of education, health, environment, and more.
I am reminded of a quote by Augustine who, in the fifth century, wrote these words: “Hope has two daughters. Their names are Anger and Courage … ‘anger’ at the way things are … and ‘courage’ to see that they do not remain the way they are.”
Augustine died in 430, a time when many Romans fled for their lives to North Africa because of violence and corruption in high offices. It was a time when hope seemed to be elusive – and invisible. Terrible times. Sound familiar?
These days, many are experiencing the elusive hope, invisible hope of terrible times because of the tragedy of what may be ahead for the people of the United States as a result of the Presidential election, because of wars, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and because there are … – diagnoses of a devastating illness. – arrival of eviction notices – hungry and homeless people – disruptions in weather, land, peoples’ lives
Augustine knew that the only way through terrible times was for hope to emerge. His words guided the people at the time.
Could they guide people at this time? Could we be called to be Children/Siblings of Hope in spite of it all?
What if we allowed the anger at the “way things are” to surface by expressing our feelings in journalling, focusing on our breathing, artwork and sharing those feelings in conversations with trusted family, friends, colleagues, professionals?
What if we responded with courage … – by putting one foot in front of the other? – by remembering to breathe? – by inhaling Ruach? – by making time to “be” (remembering that we are human ‘be-ings’ not human ‘do-ings’)? – by sharing our fear, stress, concerns with caring people and welcoming opportunities to live … one moment at a time.
Hope has two daughters. Anger. Courage.
May we give ourselves time space to experience what we are feeling. May we give ourselves time and space to name what we are feeling as ‘anger.’ And may we be open to being Children/Siblings of Courage and Hope, in spite of it all.
“Soulistry” is a neologism combining two words: ‘soul’ and ‘artistry’ … soul-space connecting creativity and spirituality. Sent from the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples in the Cowichan Valley, British Columbia. *********************************************** The little figures were made wrapping paper napkin around paper clips. Easy to do.
It appears unexpectedly. … wears different costumes. … sometimes puts a smile on our face. … often brings sadness to our heart. … is not predictable either in timing or outcome.
Today and the coming days, weeks and months, as a result of the election in the United States, grief is being and will be felt in the United States – and beyond.
We need to acknowledge its presence, give it its space.
As the ebb and flow of grief finds its way into your life may a gentle warm shaft of healing light wing your way, encouraging you to remember … “You are stronger than you think you are.”
And in the meantime, remember to breathe, and remember to be gentle and kind to yourself.
As part of our national recognition of Remembrance Day each year in Canada on this day, November 11th, we sing “O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.” Over the years, women and men have stood “on guard,” defending borders and peacekeeping far away from Canada. They’ve been deployed on Operation Presence, Operation Crocodile, Operation Jade, and Operation Soprano, in Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and the Middle East defending borders in a variety of ways around the world in battles, skirmishes, wars.
Some returned home emotionally overwhelmed by what they have experienced. Some returned home physically disabled, addicted, in physical pain. Some returned home unable to find employment or housing. Some did not return home.
Each year on November 11th, we stand still. We stand still to remember their sacrifice and that of their families. We stand still for a very short moment in time, on one day of the year, while the families of the fallen stand and live with the pain of it all 365 days a year.
I was reminded of all of that as our car passed a house and I noticed, clearly visible from the street, the photo of a young man in uniform in a frame in the living room window.
It was just a photo, that’s all. Just a photo. Or was it?
What was it about that photo that grabbed at my heart? What was it about that photo that created a deep chasm in my soul? What was it about that photo that brought tears to my eyes and gripped my chest so I couldn’t breathe? “It” couldn’t be named. I only knew that my soul had been touched.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the salute. The car’s driver saluted the photo quietly, quickly, calling no attention to himself. For an ever-so-brief moment, the car’s driver was in another world … a world that connected him to this young man … a world that united them as siblings of conflict … a world that reminded him of the fragility of life and the happenstance of circumstance.
In the photo, a young man of eighteen or so. In the car, a man old enough to be the young man’s grandfather. And yet, for that one brief moment, they were brothers.
Salutes happen – some place – every day – on every land – in every continent. This salute … was different.
May we salute those who have served, sacrificed, suffered. May we salute those who served and still suffer in physical pain; in emotional pain; who deal with homelessness, unemployment, addiction, relationship break-up, depression, PTSD.
May our salute to them be translated into compassionate laws and practical ways to help all who have served and are still serving in conflict situations and in peacekeeping situations.
Thank you, all who have served. Thank you, all who are now serving. Thank you, to those who are about to serve.
Photos of “Wire Soldiers” ghosts of soldiers silently standing over their graves in the St John’s Churchyard, Slimbridge, U.K. More can be read about this project: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-46155057
Photo taken at the Cenotaph in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
Photo (used with permission) of Canadian Scottish Regiment Association Band, Canadian Armed Forces (Army) Piper, Bill Buckingham, who piped for the Remembrance Day ceremony for St. Michaels University School, Victoria, British Columbia for 35 consecutive years! Thank you, Bill, and all other pipers for your service.
“Joy can spring like a flower even from the cliffs of despair” wrote author and aviator Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
Is it possible? Can joy ever spring from the cliffs of despair, which many are feeling since the election in the United States?
I remember feeling a sense of despair swelling within me as I heard the responses by government officials to gun control questions from journalists after military-style guns were used in the massacres in schools; at concerts; in synagogues, temples and churches; at sports events; in malls: “It’s too early – we don’t have all the facts” (when it’s a fact that military-style guns were used in many of the massacres) and “Now is not the time” (and wanted to shout “If not now, when?”).
It is known that when the U.S. Constitution was signed, the weapon referred to was a rifle that could shoot 1-2 rounds per minute. The gun used in most of recent massacres (A-15 style firearm) fires 45 rounds per minute! Interesting aside: Australia changed its laws in 1996 and since then, when that country enacted strict gun laws, there hasn’t been one mass shooting. Not one!
At that time, I stepped out of my comfort zone in this blog and named evil: the evil of the lack of strict, enforceable gun laws … the evil of politicians who did nothing to protect human beings, but rather increased their investment portfolios by buying stock in the manufacture of military-style guns and mumbling phrases about they didn’t want to lose their guns. That wasn’t what was being asked of them – just that military-style guns were not licensed for regular civilian use.
Today I name evil again because as evil affected and claimed lives then, evil continues to run havoc over lives now, since the election of DJT and JDV to the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the United States.
Two days after the election results were announced, signs appeared at college campuses that read “Women are Property!” and boys and young men in several states harassed girls and young women with frightening shouts of “Your body. My choice!” Evil! So why, with all of what is happening this week, does this Soulistry Reflection speak of flowers?
Flowers have long been understood as one of the most recognized signs of love. So today, as I did years ago after the school massacre in Portland Florida, I’ll make and then send these fabric flowers to friends in the US who are trying to find joy that could “spring like a flower even from the depths of despair” and because I want to stand up for love – not evil. The fabric flowers will be a visible sign of that love … a visible sign of prayer … a visible sign for courage and support … a reminder that there are people who stand with them, support them, love them.
Can “joy spring like a flower even from the depths of despair”? It can. But for that to happen, evil must be named.
Some Christians claim that what is happening is “God’s will.” I ask “what kind of God would sanction evil?” Not the man, Jesus. Just as Jesus confronted and named evil, long ago, evil must be named today.
Something to think about: when the letters: E V I L are reversed, they become L I V E.
Evil must be named, confronted and challenged so change can happen and all can l i v e.
When evil is named, confronted and challenged, then “joy (will) spring like a flower even from the depths of despair.” So may it be. So may it be.
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As with all “Soulistry” reflections, you are welcome and invited to share this with others and comment.
This night, on the eve of the election in the United States, tensions are high. anxiety is higher fear is higher.
Mail-in ballots are being readied to be counted. People are making plans to get to the polls in the morning. Foreign countries may have infiltrated the voting process. Lawyers and judges are preparing to argue challenges against counting mail-in ballots And, as it all unfolds I pray. Many pray – many within the United States and many beyond.
As I was praying, I I noticed a shadow on my bedroom wall created by the little statue. Words and a familiar melody echoed in my head and I found myself praying … a song.
While the words are part of a Christian hymn they can have meaning for non-Christians when adapted. I hope they will.
Perhaps you will join me in singing/humming (if you know the melody) and if not, join me in saying/thinking these words (original words in paratheses) because … “We are pilgrims on a journey; We are family on the road; We are here to help each other Walk the miles and bear the load.
I will hold the night-light (Christ-light) for you In the nighttime of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, Speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping; When you laugh I’ll laugh with you; I will share your joys and sorrows Till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to Nature’s glory (to God in Heaven) We shall find such harmony, Born of all we’ve known together Of the world’s (Christ’s) love and agony.
Neighbour, family (brother, sister) let me serve you; Let me be a friend (as Christ) to you; Pray that I might have the grace to Let you be my servant, too. <Richard Gillard, adapted by June Maffin>
This night may we hold the night-light for all in the United States and for ourselves because whether we acknowledge it or not, what happens in this election will affect the rest of the world.
And if necessary, as the votes are counted and the anticipated legal process unravels in the coming nights may we continue to pray – to sing – to remind ourselves that regardless of the outcome of the election we are all going to have to live together on this Planet Earth>
We all want to have the answer to the question “What is going to happen?” But perhaps the question is not “What” but “How.” And the answer to that must be “Together.”
Whatever happens, we must get through it together, because “We are pilgrims on a journey; We are family on the road; We are here to help each other Walk the miles and bear the load.
This night, let us hold the night-light for one another.
For many around the world, last night was All Hallow’s Eve (Hallowe’en). Yoday is All Saints Day. Tomorrow is both All Souls Day and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Together, they form what is known as “AllHallowTide.”
If you’ve seen the movie “Coco,” you’ll understand why I think of all of the days of AllHallowTide (October 31 – November 2nd) as “thin places.“
Thin Places – what is that? What does it reference? Celtic spirituality refers to “thin places” as places where the veil between this world and the eternal/Other world is thin, and where one can walk in two worlds as the Other world is more near.
Hallowe’en, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and Día de los Muertos are “thin places” – where those gone before us can be remembered via cultural rituals and religious services.
Saints? Who are “saints”? Are saints people like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Hilda of Whitby, St. Hildegaard of Bingen, etc.? Yes – but they’re not the ‘only’ saints for me. I think of a saint as ‘someone the light shines through.’ The ‘ordinary’ saints … such as those who died and are dying, this very moment, because of war, hunger, poverty, violence, racism, politics … those whose “light has shone” at some time.
I think of … my parents, Joy and Eddie Mack … my husband Hans van der Werff … my brothers Eric Mack and Gerry Mack and sisters Lois Lucas and Fran Talbot. All gone from this earth, but not gone from memory or gratitude for their presence in my life. The light of love “shone” through each of them and my life was blessed.
I remember my teachers and mentors (especially Mrs. Lancey, Mr. Snyder, Miss Smith, the Reverend Jack Major) for the light of their mentorship, knowledge and love which “shone” through each of them and other teachers/mentors I have been privileged to know and learn from over the years … ‘saints.’
Mahatma Ghandi (In his Spiritual Message to the World in 1931) seemed to speak of ‘thin places‘ when he said: “There is an indefinable, mysterious power that pervades everything. I feel it, though I do not see it. It is this unseen power that makes itself felt and yet defies all proof, because it is so unlike all that I perceive through my senses. It transcends the senses.“
The words of Linda Hogan (in her book “Dwellings”) brings the Celtic understanding of ‘thin places’ to a gentle place of understanding for me ( “Suddenly, all my ancestors are behind me. ‘Be still. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands” they say.” First Nations peoples in Canada and Indigenous peoples around the world speak gently of their “ancestors” with great reverence and understanding. Some religious people pay homage to their ancestors with phrases such as “May their memory be a blessing” and “May s/he rest in peace.”
AllHallowTide for me is, indeed, a ‘thin place’ – a hallowed time – of connection with the saints. May we honour their memories, their wisdom, love, sacrifice, dedication with gratitude and remembrance. May their memory be a blessing and may they rest in peace for all eternity.
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Blessing / Gratitude Box / Jar
Advent Calendar: Many Advent Calendars have little doors numbered for each day throughout the Season of Advent which open to reveal a small gift, treat, symbol of Christmas, Bible verse and each day of Advent, a door is opened.
Advent Candles: Used for centuries to symbolize Jesus Christ as the Light of the World, they remind believers of the way that Jesus changed the darkness of hatred and evil into the light of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love … themes of the Season of Advent.
Colours of the Season of Advent:
Blue Christmas
The Nativity Scene
Holiday Foods
Christmas Gifts
Christmas Ornaments
Christmas Stockings
Chrismons: are ornaments made in the shape of Christian symbols – reminders of God’s unconditional love expressed through the life of Jesus Christ. The word ‘Chrismon’ is a combination of ‘Christ’ and ‘monogram’. Many of the monograms of Christ were used by Early Christians to identify themselves to one another and to designate meeting locations and places of worship often secret location). Usually made in colour combinations of white, gold and silver to symbolize the purity and majesty of God’s son, Chrismons are often hung on Jesse Trees during the Season of Advent, which are lit by tiny lights (white to represent the Light of the world; blue to represent the Hope of the world – and the Season of Advent). In former times, Chrismons were crocheted from white cotton but more recently, they have been made from felt (sometimes styrofoam), decorated with gold and silver spray, braid, sequins, glitter etc. and white ribbon is used to hang them on the Jesse Tree.
Jesse Tree
