Advent shuffle

Well, we’ve come to it once again. My favorite time, my favorite place. It’s that “not yet there, but getting close” time. What is the meaning of Advent? Ad venire, Latin: to come toward. Toward what, and toward whom, is the real question.

Advent is the dawning of a new year. It’s the set-up narrative, preparing us for the birth of our Lord. It’s a New Year’s party. It’s a new life party. And it’s a birthday party. 

What gift do you give to a Child? Or, for that matter, to the One who has everything? Two years ago, while preparing for an Advent program I do, a song came to me. It was a gift. I call it Walking the Kingdom Walk:

Gone to Bethlehem, looking for a King
Not sure what I would find
Took a long journey with a lot of steps
Trying to ease my troubled mind

Was I coming?  Was I going?
I don't know — it felt good to be on the road
Somewhere on the way my perspective changed
You eased my heavy load

Fear was driving me, I was losing my world —
Disconnected and cut off
Getting kinda lonely out on my own
Walking the Kingdom walk

Was I coming?  Was I going?
I don't know — maybe You'll show me a sign?
Lord, I need a glimpse of You today —
And I know things’ll work out fine

Showed up at the stable, brought forth my gift
Set it right before the Child
He looked at me, His eyes so bright
Lord, how we did smile!

Was I giving?  Or receiving?
I don't know — it felt right to be right there
Somehow out there on my way back home
I found an answer to my prayer

Was I giving?  Or, receiving?
It's both, you see, that can make your life so free
On the way back home I came to find my self,
Thanking God for His gift called me.

Richard Rumble
December 2014