Thanks for sharing this, Janice--appreciate your poem/reflection--will use it this third Sunday of Advent (Joy Sunday) during our adult forum class at our new church home Second Presbyterian Church where we are studying Borg/Crossan's The First Christmas.  The last chapter talks about joy.  Last Sunday I introduced the social process triangles--4 diagrams:  the spt diagram (balanced); the spt diagram (unbalanced); the domination system (Empire--Rome or contemporary) social process:  economic exploitation, political oppression and religious legitimation; and Reign of G-O-D social process sytem.  This week we will introduce a variation of the triangles based on David Korten's book The Great Turning.
 
Advent, Christmas and New Year's blessings!
Ellie :-)
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Janice Ulangca <aulangca@stny.rr.com>
To: Colleague Dialogue <Dialogue@wedgeblade.net>
Sent: Fri, Dec 14, 2012 9:46 am
Subject: [Dialogue] A Conversation with Advent

 
To my friends and many teachers/mentors in the ICA community - I continue learn so much from you!
Profound gratitude and wishes for a splendid, radiant season.
Janice Ulangca
 
 
Advent:  A coming into being
3rd definition, Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary
 

A Conversation with Advent

 
O Advent
I think you are my favorite
Of all the seasons in the church year
Because you ask that I wake up, be vigilant,
And open to some startling surprise, some wonder
That never has existed ‘til today.
 
Advent,  beyond the rush, the noisy fun,
   the customary words,
There is a vast and tender silence
And I will meet you there.
At first it may seem boring to be still
But slowly in the quietness there will be
A radiance, a peace, a profound care.
 
Advent, I will dare to bring you this year’s pain
The darkness, failures and the broken plans.
Perhaps in the stillness
With patience and expectancy
They may gently be exchanged
 For healing and for hope  . . .
And it will not be fake
To welcome Joy.                                            JU 2012
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