Emptying Ourselves

Daily Readings: Psalm 79; Micah 4:6-13; Revelation 18:1-10

O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.

They have given the bodies of your servants to the birds of the air for food, the flesh of your faithful to the wild animals of the earth. They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them. We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us.

How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealous wrath burn like fire? Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms that do not call on your name. For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his habitation.

Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake.

Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants be known among the nations before our eyes. Let the groans of the prisoners come before you; according to your great power preserve those doomed to die.

Return sevenfold into the bosom of our neighbors the taunts with which they taunted you, O Lord! Then we your people, the flock of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. Psalm 79, NRSV

Over the years, Advent has been considered much like the Lenten season with its focus on repentance and seeking of forgiveness – even sporting the same ecclesiastical colors. Both seasons are harbingers of greater things to come and historically time for baptismal preparation.

The focus and liturgical colors may have changed in some churches, but to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child and the Parousia seems to mandate repentance and an emptying of ourselves – a kenosis. I mean, if something is already full, how can we add to it?

May we take some time or make the time to ask for forgiveness and to forgive, to empty ourselves of all busyness and fret and worry, and make room for Jesus today.

[Note: Parousia is the term for the second coming of Christ into the world.]

May both shadow and light guide you to God-With-Us.

Offered by Bill Albritton

One thought on “Emptying Ourselves

Comments are closed.