We are in our first week of Advent and full of anticipation. Many are also full of angst as we struggle to balance all that needs to be done to prepare for Christmas. The lists get longer and longer – cards, food, gifts, parties, concerts and special musicals; at times, we forget what it is that we are really preparing for during these weeks in December.
The late November Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, was a bump in the road as Christmas decorations have been out commercially since end of summer. Many are still nursing the bruises from Black Friday and admiring the bargains that were gathered. Yet our readings foretell of the wonders of the future – what we have to look forward to – not because of bargains and lights but because of the birth of a very special Child.
Our first reading really sets the stage as we hear of the shoot that sprouts from the stump of Jesse. This miracle will happen and all sorts of amazing things will follow.
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him:
a Spirit of wisdom and understanding.
A Spirit of counsel and strength,
a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord,
and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.
I resisted as I read these words from Isaiah. They offer hope and a future that we would all embrace. Yet as I struggled to write this reflection, I was bombarded with the news of horrible deeds committed against one another. I see fear in our approach to others and a gloom of what the future may be. I try to reconcile this hope with this reality. I falter, I take days to write this because it seems at such odds with what is in front of me yet so aligned with what I dream the future can/will be.
Even as a small child, I marveled at the idea of the wolf and the lamb being together, to think of a child being safe as he or she played with snakes. What a fantasy world awaits us – where pain and suffering is no more. How do we hold our faith and continue to believe in such a world? Perhaps that is the main reason (truly the only reason) that we celebrate Christmas every year. It is not to exchange the newest technology or to bestow on our children every new toy being marketed. It is to remind us that the root of Jesse has come and is a signal for the nations. The promises of Isaiah are not for us now but rather what will be in the second coming – we have our first gift in the birth of Christ and now have an obligation of how we live with that gift in anticipation of the next time He comes.
I have the privilege of being with my newest grandchild as I finally write this. Actually, it was holding her and looking at her sleeping face that finally gave me the courage to really look at this reading and the future that it predicts. In her face, I see the future and all that is good, I believe that there is so much more to this world. In the words of Robert Browning:
Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, ‘A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!’ (the bolding is mine!)
As we decorate for Christmas and plan all the festivities for this season, let us not forget the Reason for the Season and look to that promised future and walk the path necessary to get there. Let’s prepare our hearts as carefully as that special meal and the fantastic tree with a star atop glowing with hope and anticipation of what is to come!!
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
