Advent Word: Go

This morning I had to go on an unplanned journey, following an unplanned breakage of our shower unit. I really did not want to go, but I did want people to be able to shower over Christmas, so going to buy the necessary replacement parts was a must. My husband has now skilfully done the work necessary, for which I am grateful.

Today's Advent word on the 20th day in the Advent Calendar I am following is 'go'. As time is limited today, I am reposting below, some thoughts on the word 'go' that I first posted in Advent last year in a post called #go.

The word 'go' got me thinking about the last journey we each have to make, that is death.

'Go' also reminds me of the many ways we need to 'let go' in life, sometimes to let go of things, attitudes or habits, in order to make room for something better.

The final letting 'go' is the letting go of life as we go into death. For Christians, that final letting go into death, is in the 'sure and certain hope' of making room for something far better in the resurrection to new life.

Most of us would hope to 'go in peace', as old Simeon felt he could do when he held the child Jesus in his arms and saw in him the light that would lighten all nations. You can read more about that in Candlemas 2018.

When someone we love is dying and hope of recovery has gone, it is hard to let them go. It is natural to cling on to them, but sometimes the one who knows they are dying needs to hear spoken words of permission to go. The words can be as simple as "it's OK, you can go now". Those may be simple words, but emotionally hard to say.

Or, for a Christian believer, it could be something more formal, like this:

"Go forth from this world: 

in the love of God the Father who created you, 

in the mercy of Jesus Christ who redeemed you, 

in the power of the Holy Spirit who strengthens you. 

May the heavenly host sustain you 

and the company of heaven enfold you. 

In communion with all the faithful, 

may you dwell this day in peace. Amen." 

Common Worship:Pastoral Services, © The Archbishops' Council 2000

Many people will be making journeys of one sort or another over the Christmas period. Where will you go and how will you go? Will it be in peace? Or are there things you need to let go off in order to find that peace?

Image Credit: geralt on Pixabay, Pixabay License