We advent each other in simple steps:
smiles; caring inclusion....polite gestures of reverent affirmation
silently and subtly pointing our way to Bethlehem.
Each journey is singular
a personal mystery, sojourns of paradox within;
yet  searching
we pack our bags differently these days.
The travelling itself may seem burden and baggage enough.

The empty crib stands before us
hidden at some distant place (always - in disguise)
patiently awaiting our arrival.
The saviour within us, and about us
cries out for incarnated birth
once more to be heard
in a land of hopeless hearts.
The desolate winter of our disbelief
can be renewed
in a manger warm with embrace.

So we follow each others stars
whether bright or dim
through dark days this December
until suddenly Home
where the angels of our gladness shepherd us gently in
Christmas transforms us
newborn
yet again!

by Susan Spadinger, OSF