Woodroffe United Church ... we are not alone, we live in God's world.
Advent 2013
To us a Child of hope is born.
To us, a Son is given.
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Jan Lougheed
On Sunday, November 17, we gathered for our first Woodroffe Café. I had the opportunity to share pictures and stories from my sabbatical last May. With my husband, Peter, I walked along the Portuguese trail from Northern Portugal to Santiago, Spain. This is a modern rediscovery of the ancient spiritual practice of pilgrimage – a journey on foot and a journey of heart and spirit.
Advent, Christmas and Epiphany are seasons covered with the tracks of pilgrims. Mary walks to her cousin Elizabeth’s home to share the news of her pregnancy. Mary and Joseph trek to Bethlehem to fulfill the Empire’s request, which offers no exemptions to those in a vulnerable state. Magi journey to offer their gifts to One they recognize as a true authority. And there is even a story of the Holy Family forced to flee their own country as refugees to escape King Herod’s cruelty.
Here are some pilgrims' questions that I leave with you to think about or if it helps you, to journal, as we take the Advent Road.
For the last five years I have watched my now 7-year old granddaughter act out the walk to Bethlehem. Taking her grandfather’s hand, a cardboard walking staff, hat and packsack, they would journey together. Always stopping at the “Jordan River” (on our porch) and kneeling down for a refreshing drink of water. That was an important part of their drama.
I hope Advent this year offers you the refreshing moments that every pilgrim needs.