Wednesday, December 20, 2023
- Reflection by Mike Johnson
Listen, Wonder, Lead
As we journey through this season of Advent, we are called to listen. We are called to wonder. We are called to lead. This threefold invitation encourages us to open our hearts to the divine presence and to engage with the world around us in a meaningful and transformative way.
First, we are called to listen. In a world filled with noise and distraction, it can be challenging to attune our hearts to the quiet whispers of God’s presence. Yet, the advent season beckons us to cultivate a spirit of attentive listening-to the cries of the marginalized, the whispers of hope, and the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit. As we pause and listen, we create space for God to speak into our lives, guiding us and shaping our understanding of the world.
Second, we are encouraged to wonder. Advent is a time of expectant waiting and hopeful anticipation. It invites us to marvel at the mysteries of the incarnation and to ponder the profound implication of God dwelling among us. As we embrace a spirit of wonder, we are reminded of the beauty and complexity of God’s redemptive plan, which unfolds through the birth of Jesus Christ. This wonder fuels our faith and kindles a sense of awe and gratitude within us.
Finally, we are summoned to lead. The Advent narrative is one of radical transformation and the subversion of worldly power. As we reflect on the example of Christ’s humble birth and the counter-cultural nature of God’s Kingdom, we are emboldened to lead lives that reflect the teaching of Jesus. We are called to be agents of love, justice, and reconciliation in a world yearning for hope.
In this season of Advent, may we heed the call to “Listen, Wonder, Lead,” embracing the transformative power of God’s presence and sharing the light of Christ with the world around us.
