Inner Writing
Advent Meditation 3
In The Wilderness
You will need
some privacy, some anointing cream (Aqueous Cream or hand cream is safe and good – but if you don’t have these don’t worry), enough time not to worry about time.
Reading
I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “make straight the way of the Lord.
John 1:23
Anointing
Sitting or lying down take the anointing cream and gently massage your throat and neck your head held back.
Take your time, don’t rush. Feel your voice box and the glands either side. This is where your voice comes from.As you rub your neck whisper………….
Whisper
“Open my voice Loving God and I will sing your praise”
Pondering
John The Baptist, the wild man of the Christian scriptures, says he is just a voice crying out to be heard. He cries out in the wilderness rather than the urban places where the population is to be found. The wilderness is a place away from the ordinary, where there are no distractions from every day life. He cries out in an uncomfortable, bleak place. Other gospel writers report that people came out of the cities and towns to hear him, so maybe the message of Christ’s coming is heard best in bleak and uncomfortable places.
John’s plea echoes Isaiah’s that a royal way be made ready for the coming anointed one. Preparation and effort is required so any hindrances or obstacle to the arrival can be cleared away.
Maybe Advent can be a time when we listen for others who cry out in bleak and uncomfortable places. They cry out in their wilderness, longing for the one who can bring to their lives justice, healing and restoration.
Who do you hear crying out in today’s wildernesses? Who are they? I’m thinking of parents who do not have sufficient funds to feed their children and pay the heating bill, men locked into their inner doubt and anger, fearful refugees in hotels and others who live in fear of violence. As they come to mind’s eye imagine the coming Jesus entering into their wilderness.
What about the wildernesses in your own life?
Posture
