Jeremy L. Berg

“Sometimes the early morning sky, just before the light of the new day dawns, is so still and quiet that I think I am at the threshold of heaven. The atmosphere itself is permeated in a prayerful stillness. The beauty of these moments absorbs my total being and resonates within my soul. Prayer is easy for me in these wonderful moments alone, surrounded by the clear sky studded with shining stars, and I understand the feelings hidden within that cherished hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.”

Contemplation is like that. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say “that IS contemplation.” This is how we should approach the Christ Child lying in the Christmas crèche. Not with words only, but with ourselves – in the deepest and most profound center of our being – our souls. To look at Him with love. To look upon Him with wonder and awe. To absorb the depth of the mystery of this miraculous birth. Or better yet, to let the mystery absorb us.”

These words of a Carmelite Sister resonate with my soul as we leave the noise and raucous of the election behind, and move into the peaceful stillness and awesome wonder of the season of Advent leading up to Christmas.

I want to slow down.

I want to quiet my heart.

I want to contemplate the mystery of the Messiah’s surprise entrance into our world long ago.

And I want to help us prepare Him room inside our restless hearts today. 

Toward this end, join MainStreet Covenant Sundays at 5pm this Advent as we explore the inner sanctuary of our souls by reflecting on the ways God moved inwardly and outwardly in some of the key characters of the infancy narratives.

We explore Zechariah being struck dumb, forcing him into a silent retreat he never asked for.

We’ll ponder Elizabeth’s baby leaping in her womb, and ask if our soul is more apt to leap, flee or slumber when God’s presence approaches.

We’ll marvel again at Mary’s sweet serenity and humble receptivity, and imagine what it might mean for us to become the dwelling place of the Infinite God.

And more.

These are all very familiar stories — too familiar perhaps. But have we ever tried looking at them through the eyes of a mystic or contemplative? I’m excited to go on this journey with you, and hope you will join MainStreet Covenant for these four Advent services in the beautiful chapel at St. Martin’s By the Lake December 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 5pm.

Let the Carmelite contemplative have the last word:

“This Christmas let’s all find some time to sit or kneel near the Christ Child and let us not say too much. Rather, let’s us just look at Him, for as St. John of the Cross so eloquently wrote, “The language that God hears best is the language of silent love.”

Or, in the words of St. Augustine:

“The house of my soul is too narrow for thee to come in to me; let it be enlarged by thee. It is in ruins; do thou restore it.“

Let every heart prepare Him room.