Advent Unlocking

Advent begins today, the 1st Sunday of Advent. Much has been spoken and written about what Advent (4 week season before Christmas) is about. One of its aspects is preparation for an expected coming, the coming of Christ, past present and future.

A few years ago, I attended an Advent retreat during which the retreat leader quoted these words from a prayer by a New Guinea Christian.

"At Advent we should try the key to our heart's door.

It may have gathered rust.

If so, this is the time to oil it,

in order that the heart's door may open more easily

when the Lord Jesus wants to enter at Christmas time!

Lord,

oil the hinges of our heart's doors

that they may swing gently and easily

to welcome your coming."

from The Lion Prayer Collection, Lion Books 1992, p. 321

Image Credit: Colinfoo, Pixabay Licence