Advent

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.

NKJV

Painting “Piercing the Darkness” 2014 – Dwight L. Roth

 

 

The Returning of the Light

In the midst of Faith’s dark winter

Searching

Waiting

Anticipating an end

of overshadowing darkness

brought on by Roman occupation…

A child is born

Faith’s Winter Solstice of sorts

Light of God’s Love

Piercing the Darkness

Hope is reborn

Light returns

in life’s darkest time

A message of God’s Love and Grace

that forever changed the world

^“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”   ~John 1 NKJV

Painting, Piercing the Darkness: Dwight L. Roth

Waiting for the Light

Today is Advent Sunday in the Christian faith. It represents the time leading up to the birth of Christ, Emanuel, God with us. The prophet Isaiah spoke of coming out of darkness and into the light. It speaks so much to the feelings of our life this past year.

“The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.”

Isaiah 9:2 NIV (biblegateway.com)

My Nephew’s wife shared the following post this morning on her Face Book page. I thought is was so well written that I wanted to share it with you.

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Advent feels different this year… it’s not just about me preparing my heart for the coming Christ-child.

Most of us have spent a significant amount of time this year sitting in the darkness of our own personal waiting rooms…waiting for healing, waiting for a job, waiting for pregnancy, waiting for reconciliation, waiting for a visit from family, waiting for lab results, waiting for “normal”, etc.

So instead of trying to ignore the darkness, I will wait a little longer, hoping that “the God who showed up in the hardest parts of our humanity is still showing up today…

…We often forget that the encounter with the incarnate Christ happens in unexpected places — our unexpected change of plans, our unaccomplished dreams, and humble new beginnings.” (Scott Erickson)

I’m looking forward to the day “the weary world rejoices” again.

~Lora Myers Roth~

Photo: Dwight L. Roth

Advent

As darkness deepens
on a world filled with sadness
Advent brings new Light
Hope for a brighter future
Reach out for God’s Love and Grace

Painting Piercing the Darkness: Dwight L. Roth

Tomorrow is the first Sunday in Advent in the Christian tradition.  Frank Tassone asked us to write a Haikai poem that refers to Advent. For me Advent is all about the contrast between darkness and Light. I did the painting above a few years ago to illustrate that concept.

The Gospel of John says:  …”and the Word become flesh and dwelt among us” This is what Advent is all about! Jesus brought Light and Life to all who will follow after him… a refreshing change in a dark world.

Join us at: https://frankjtassone.com/2019/11/30/haikai-challenge-115-11-30-19-advent-haiku-senryu-haibun-tanka-haiga-renga/

Advent of Innocence

Advent of Innocence
Today is the first Sunday of Advent in the Christian Faith. Emmanuel, God with us, was the prophesy of the promised Messiah. A time when God himself would take on the human embodiment to show us what it would be like to live and love in a life contradictory to the norms and darkness of the day. It is interesting to me that the Messiah came to us in the innocence of a tiny baby. The future life and sacrifice of Jesus brought forgiveness, grace, and peace to all who choose to believe.

The Word made flesh
Advent of innocence brings
Light piercing darkness

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Painting: Dwight L. Roth

Shared with the Frank Tassone Haikai Challenge. Join us at: https://frankjtassone.com/2018/12/02/haikai-challenge-63-12-2-18-advent-and-or-hanukkah-haiku-senryu-haibun-tanka-haiga-renga/