HENRY L. CHEN (Professor, Towson University)
PERSONAL PAGE (Under construction)
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Advent: Advent-calendars
Asians: differentiate Asians by looks? |
| Thought
for Advent, 2005: “Do you hear what I hear?” the Harry Simeone Chorale asks. I hear a lot
of things. Carols come from my car radio, television advertisers warn me
that there are only so many shopping days left, phone calls invite me to
holiday gatherings – or inform me that the church is one shepherd short
for Friday night’s live nativity and I need to be there at five sharp to
don our costume. There’s shopping to be done, meals to be made, cards to
be addressed and sent. Yes, it’s Christmastime---and it’s busy. What about Jesus? Is there room for Him in the Advent Inn’s schedule, or is it full up? Taking time for moments of holy silence can clear some space for this Savior King who comes clothed in baby’s flesh. That’s because silence is where Quakers believe we encounter the real presence of Christ. Jesus comes to us in the peace of the silence, a silence which is an active going toward God, seeking a glimpse of the One whose coming we celebrate. If we take some space for silence this season, we will hear the Voice that speaks not only in words, but also in gentle tugs on our hearts and in the beauty our eyes behold in the lights, the sights, sounds, and people surrounding us this season. So stop. Relax your body and mind. Breathe deeply; slowly and gently. Savor the silence. And listen. “Do you hear what I hear?” J. Brent Bill, author of Holy Silence:The Gift of Quaker Spirituality. |
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