Advent holds ideas of waiting, anticipation, peace, hope, incarnation, justice. I think of Mary, her hands rubbing her belly. I think of the shepherds, searching Bethlehem. I think of the wise men, following a star. All waiting.

We wait still. We wait for peace on earth and goodwill toward men. We wait for justice. But it’s not an empty waiting. This waiting embodies hope, the kind that is sure of what isn’t seen.

Yet.

We anticipate the day when heaven meets earth, when God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

How does the Advent season inspire you artistically? I’m not a poet (as you shall see!), but in honor if Emily Dickinson’s birthday, I’m celebrating Advent today with a poem. Four pictures came to mind as I thought of this idea of waiting.

His belly round
from hunger,
under his arm, he holds
a suitcase and a
gun.
He searches the
dump
for scraps and pieces
for his sister. She cries
and cries and
cries. Desire of nations,
come.

Her belly round
with child,
in her hand, she holds
a paintbrush.
She prepares the
room
and stacks diapers
on the table. A
suitcase stands
by the door for the
night. Desire of nations,
come.

Her belly round
with cancer,
in his hand, he holds
hers.
She trembles with
cold
and pain. The
machines beep, and needles
pierce
her skin. Desire of nations,
come.

His belly round
with bassdrum,
in his hand, he holds
a mallet,
ready to beat
the rhythm. Mark
time mark.
The lights
in the stadium
shine bright, hiding
the judges
from view. Desire of nations,
come.

Now it’s your turn! How does Advent inspire you? Use Mr. Linky below to link to your posts, and leave a comment so I know when you add your link.

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(Second Sunday of Advent Collect, from The Book of Common Prayer)