The Lord of the Journey

Last night we celebrated our third Advent Worship, which included our friends, Jane C., Michael T, and Chris G and his daughter, Chrissy. It was another awesome gathering. Each Sunday worship has offered a different set of people so we are grateful for those who have shared the time with us.

One of the questions we have been tossing around this Advent season is whether the Christian walk us pursuing God or God pursuing us. Of course, Emmanuel or "God with us" is the epitome of God's pursuit of us by coming down to live amongst us. But this week, we explored the concept of journeying with God, which implies some action on our part. The Bible is full of journey accounts - Abraham, Moses, the disciples, and Paul to name a few. In this sense, the Christian life is a journey with Jesus. Since Advent is a season of preparing for Christ's birth and is the beginning of the liturgical year, it is in many ways a start of a journey.

God continually calls us to make journeys with him. This means letting go of our past, responding to His call in the present and leaving our "comfort zones" for the unknown of the glorious future God has planned for us.

Last night, I led out in group prayer exercise called "The Lord of the Journey" which involved a backpack placed in the middle of the living room floor. Inside (to unpack) and outside (to pack inside) the back pack were numerous objects, which were given to individual persons for moments of reflection. These items included:

A stone - sometimes we continue to carry heavy burdens that we need to lay down. What do you need to take out of your suitcase that you've dragged around for too long?

A clock - sometimes we fill our suitcase with unnecessary items, things we won't have time for. Is your suitcase over-packed with too much to do? Busyness? What do you need to leave behind?

A toy doll - sometimes we pack our back with things we have outgrown and don't need anymore. Is there something in your life that has outlived its usefulness? What do you need to leave behind?

An apron and a play shield - When we go away, we pack the clothing we need for what we are going to be doing. What resources or part of the armor of Christ or character do you need to be clothed in as you go on your way?

A family photo - Sometimes we take things that are precious to us - personal mementoes. What thanksgivings and blessings do you want to take with you to cherish? What memory or experience in 2010 will you hold close as a reminder of God's faithfulness in your life?

A loaf of bread - Sometimes we take food to sustain us as we travel. What do we want to feed on as we journey? Is there a word of scripture, a blessing, or encouragement that particularly sustains you?

An small empty box - We also need to leave space in our backpack for things we will acquire or receive on the way. What blessings do you hope to receive on your journey. Pray for them.

A gift-wrapped item - Often we take gifts for others we will meet on our journey. What gift has God given you to give away?

After each reflection and prayer moment, as the leader, I remarked "Lord of the Journey" with the group saying out-loud "Hear our prayer and lead us on."

Afterwards, each person shared a bit of the journey they are on. It was an great great evening.

We are in the middle of Advent.....still on a journey...still searching...