Sunday, December 4, 2011

Waiting for forgiveness

It trails from a window,
scarlet talisman of hope
or promise wrapping
around the promise
of safety and deliverance,
a vine entwining souls
and hearts and spirits,
binding two strands
into one not easily broken,
tying Jericho to Bethlehem,
as she waits inside,
faithful.

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. In churches observing the season, the second of four candles will be lit, today’s candle signifying the waiting for forgiveness. If you’d like to know more about the season of Advent, Mark Roberts, the spiritual director for Laity Lodge, has an e-book entitled Discovering Advent that is both succinct and thorough (and I highly recommend it).

Painting: The Scarlet Rope by Hannah Haesook Lee.

6 comments:

Louise Gallagher said...

This is lovely Glynn. A beautiful reminder of the gifts of Advent in our waiting.

I too awoke to a song for Advent ringing within my heart.

lynnmosher said...

Ooo...beautiful, Glynn!

Sheila said...

This waiting, preparing...it grows more beautiful each year.

Thank you for this illumination of the season, Glynn. It's lovely.

Maureen said...

Lovely... that sense of hope trailing, being held, tying us all together

The image is also wonderful.

S. Etole said...

The way you tied Jericho to Bethlehem ... excellent reminder. And the waiting in faith.

caryjo said...

Rahab's view of the future and stepping up to the plate seriously is something we all need to think of. And, unexpectedly, God so blessed her that she became a member of the line for His son. What a blessing for those of us who are/were like her.

Thanks much.