Celtic Advent Begins - November 16, 2009

As Celtic Advent begins choose a candle to be lit every evening from the beginning of Celtic Advent, which is always a full 40 days of preparation.  This candle may be dark blue, purple, or white.  Celtic Advent is Nov. 15 - Nov 24 / Nov. 16 - Nov. 25 (according to the Northumbria Community).

Celtic Advent has begun.  Traditionally, this is a time for preparation for Chrismas.  "It is said that the door to the stable whe the Christ-child has been born is very low -- and only those who kneel  find access."  This is a time for "interior 'housecleaning'. ... Make a clear and level pathway.  This involves removing any boulders that stand in the way, and filling in potholes.  The boulders are the things we have done that we should not have done; the potholes aer the things we have failed to do which we obviously should have done."   There are a number of customs to help us prepare.  This is a time for each of us to seek to remember why we are here.  What will the Light of Christ shining on your pathway mean for you this coming year? 

Consider:  "God desires to look at us with open face adn say, 'Here I am and I am here for you." The Hebrew word for this is 'Hineni' - and there are familiar stories of people responding to God in this way.  Hineni means 'I'm ready, Lord; I'll go if You send me; I'm listening, Lord, tell me what You would have me know." 

When God calls Your Name, are you ready to reply, "Hineni!"? 

'Abraham!'

'Hineni,' he replied.

'Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there.'  Isaac says to Abraham, 'Father?'  'Hineni?'  'The fire and teh wood are here, where is the lamb for the sacrifice?'

God called Moses from the bush that was burning, 'Moses! Moses!'  And Moses said, 'Hineni.'  A voice called in the night.  The child Samuel gave answer, 'Hineni what do you You want?'  Whom shall I send, and who will go for Me?' And, Isaiah responded, 'Hineni.'

Lord, God help us to be willing and available, open to your call , to say, 'Hineni, Adonai.  Here I am.'"

excerpts from Celtic Daily Prayer