Tuesday, December 07, 2004
emerging and Advent
I’ve been using the same Advent benediction for each week of Advent so far. I have been loving the line;
Awaken within us the richness of our origins and the depths of our past
that we may be a people old in experience and young in hope.
I love that mix of old/wise/experience/rooted in tradition and new/vibrant/young/hopeful. That’s why I’m part of the emerging church and that’s why it’s my home. Because ideally, at it’s best, it is taking the best of the past – Scripture, church traditions etc – into a newly postmodern future. That’s why it’s emerging, not from something or against something, but in this changing world we’re DJing a new mix, that because of the Spirit and the humility of its practioners and theo-blogians, resonates with the depths of the past.
So this Advent, rather than attack the emerging and critically nibble at our edges, why not pray for the emerging church; to become a people old in experience and young in hope.
)
I have a notion that sounds particularly good in a Kiwi accent (and in a Kiwi culture)
Comment by maggi — December 7, 2004 @ 1:32 pm
I’ll add my “amen” to that…
Comment by Paul Fromont — December 7, 2004 @ 2:49 pm
Wonderful benediction. I think I’ll take it as a personal mantra.
Comment by Connie Knighton — December 7, 2004 @ 7:17 pm
And all God’s people said.” Amen .” I think alot of times there is a misconception that emerging is about pushing the boundaries, never being settled…and about the young. I think it is also important to embrace the older saints. We have a some in the 70’s that come out ot the cafe’church, they are absolute gems…I love the beauty and wisdom they bring each week. Just because your 70 doesn’t mean you can’t have a new/ vibrant/ young/ hopeful spirit. It’s my prayer that the emerging church would be a multi-generational church.
Anyway Steve, thanks for your Advent benediction…I’ll certainly make it part of my prayers.
Comment by ron cole — December 7, 2004 @ 9:36 pm
And as we say in the US, “Straight up, bro.”
Comment by Jon L — December 8, 2004 @ 12:17 am
spot on!
Comment by paul T — December 8, 2004 @ 10:33 am
Bitchin’!!! *Doin’ it old school* ;^)
Comment by Rich — December 8, 2004 @ 12:16 pm