looking and listening for Jesus

Recently, I have had the feeling that I am walking though life habitually; my eyes do not always see the people and things around me.  Even in this new, wonderful city where there is so much to look at, I am often moving at such a fast pace that I stop observing details.  I am looking ahead of myself to the next destination, trying to find a way around all the people, rather than in the present moment.  Or I avert my eyes from the things that are difficult to look at or that trouble me.

And my ears, even musician’s ears that are supposed to be tuned to sound, are not always receptive to things of beauty and simplicity.  I’m aware of the sirens and car alarms but what about the sounds that are so soft or fragile that you can only hear them if you take the time to stop and listen.  I feel as if my eyes and ears are in need of a recalibration; the range of my seeing and hearing needs to be expanded.  I cannot live on the surface.  I am called to look and listen for what is true, what is beautiful, and what is of lasting and enduring value.

So, this morning while walking to the subway station in the sleet, I prayed that God would help to open my eyes and unstop my ears.  I asked that I would see the places where Jesus is appearing in my world – breaking through the habits and fast-paced routine, through my cynicism and jadedness, through the common and ordinary parts of life.  I am going to try to cultivate a spirit of openness and awareness; not exactly sure how to do this but perhaps prayer is the start.  And I’ll try to share these insights in some regular way on the blog.  I feel as if I need a spiritual discipline for the season and this might be a format in which to share what am seeing and hearing.

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It’s now about 2 hours after worship has ended and I’m a bit tired from holding things together this morning.  Bad weather, a small choir due to holiday travel and sickness (though they sang well), and just have had this wonky, strange feeling accompanied by a mild headache.  But sitting in my office, I hear our custodian from Guyana whistling Christmas carols in leisurely, slightly out-of-tune style down the hall.  I find myself smiling and chuckling to myself as he transitions from Jingle Bells to Long Time Ago in Bethlehem to The Twelve Days of Christmas.

I think he’s my Advent moment today.  In his whistling I hear Jesus inviting me into the sort of relaxation and ease that I really need a dose of right now:  “Come, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  Sing what comes to mind; it doesn’t have to be profound and it doesn’t have to be perfect.   Whistle what makes your heart glad.  Linger over the notes and phrases that you love and just be in the moment…at rest, at peace.”

Jesus, you whistle a simple tune
that catches my ear,
that lifts my spirits,
and invites to me to celebrate Advent anew.
May I hear and respond with gratitude,
knowing that you walk with me this season
and through all of my days.

God with us…

My heart is very full today. I am struck by just how many places I see God-with-us; by the marvelous ways that God becomes real in our lives again.

- Through the beautiful face of a friend’s new baby and their growing family.

- Through the amazing expressions of care and love that have been shown to my pastor’s wife, Linda, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent major surgery almost 2 weeks ago. They keep a journal on the caringbridge.org website and the guestbook is an equivalent to caffeine! It is uplifting, hopeful and addicting to read! Out of pain and life-altering changes, God is present in the expressions of support that have been generously given by friends and strangers. We are all grateful for her slow recovery.

- In the beauty of the choral piece, “O magnum mysterium” set by Morten Lauridsen. I heard it in the car the other day and sat in the parking lot until it was over, moved to tears by this extraordinary setting. It gives voice to the the sublime beauty and humility that are so much a part of this season.

O magnum mysterium et admirabile sacramentum,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio!
O great mystery and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the new-born Lord lying in a manger!

There is so much more that I wish I could say but I’ll leave a poet with the last word. This is one of my favorite Christmas hymns (it’s also arranged as a choral anthem) by Carl Schalk and Jaroslav Vajda, one of the church’s great hymnwriting teams. Have a Merry Christmas!

Before the marvel of this night
Adoring, fold your wings and bow,
Then tear the sky apart with light
And with your news the world endow.
Proclaim the birth of Christ and peace,
That fear and death and sorrow cease:
Sing peace, sing peace, sing gift of peace!

Awake the sleeping world with song,
This is the day our God has made.
Assemble here, celestial throng,
In royal splendor come arrayed.
Give earth a glimpse of heav’nly bliss,
A teasing taste of what they miss:
Sing bliss, sing bliss, sing endless bliss!

The love that we have always known,
Our constant joy and endless light,
Now to the loveless world be shown,
Now break upon its deathly night.
Into one song compress the love
That rules our universe above:
Sing love, sing love, sing God is love!