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Preparing the Way

I love Advent in the Episcopal Church–the anticipation, the introspection, the hymns, the combination of preparing for the birth of a child in Bethlehem and preparing for the second coming of Christ. 

I find Advent brings with it a sense of new beginnings and second chances. My old sins, my old ways have another chance to be redeemed and set free by the arrival of Jesus.  

Hope is gestating within me this Advent. 

I can see all that is wrong–with me, the church, and the world–and clasp on to the priceless opportunity of Gospel hope. God has become human. Humanity is redeemed and redeemable. The sin and sorrow around me will not have the last word, because Christ is coming soon. 

Hark! The glad sound! The Savior comes, the savior promised long:

Let every heart prepare a throne, and every voice a song. 

He comes, the broken heart to bind, the bleeding soul to cure;

And with the treasures of his grace to enrich the humble poor. (Hymnal 1982 #71)