When Sister Maria is sent to serve as the governess to the seven cloistered children of the von Trapp household, it doesn’t take her long before she begins to open their minds to the joys of music. Teaching them some basic theory and inviting them into the structure of melody, she sings, “Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.”
The beginning is indeed a very good place to start and can be an energizing location. The start of something new can bring new experiences and learning. Crossing the threshold into fresh territory can invite exploration and growth, as well as nurture the perfect atmosphere for cultivating something new.
Beginnings can also be a place filled with anxiety and apprehension. Each step is filled with the unknown.
We may be overwhelmed by the uncertainty ahead, concerned about how ill-prepared we may be for the uncertainties, and even paralyzed in some situations by fear of that which we cannot control.
When I think of a beginning, I think of a do-over or a back-to-basics moment. When learning how to drive using a clutch in a 4-speed Chevy Citation, I heard, “Let’s start from the beginning!” more than once, as the vehicle jolted back and forth looking for the sweet spot. Putting the finishing touches on a musical during dress rehearsal, our high school theater director would say, “Let’s take it from the top!” inviting us to start the production from the beginning one more time. Coming up short on a cut, my drywall partner on Appalachia Service Project, said, “Let’s measure that again and start over.” Each of these start-at-the-beginning moments were a refresher course. A reminder of how something was done or could be done.
The Advent season is one such refresher. We put up lights to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world. We methodically light our Advent wreath week by week, naming hope, peace, joy, and love as centerpieces of our lives of faith. Moving furniture and decorations around in our home to make room for Christmas decor, we mimic the way that the Spirit of God continually creates space in our hearts and minds for Jesus. We take these four weeks of Advent as an intentional time to hear ancient narratives which center us once again in our origin story.
What are some of the words you need to hear to take you back to the beginning? Where are you longing for a fresh start? How is God using this season to reorient your heart and mind?
Our theme for this Advent is “Words for the Beginning.” Grounding ourselves in ancient stories of God accompanying God’s people, we embrace themes including: “You are a blessing,” “We can’t go alone,” “Do the good that is yours to do,” and “Hope is worth the risk.” Each of these tether us to our Source and speak a deep truth of how God’s enduring and unconditional love embraces us and fuels us for all that is ahead.
Whatever today and this Advent season holds, you are not alone. God is here and various people and communities surround you in love. We long and look for the coming of Jesus and pray with the Korean songwriter Geon-yong Lee as we sing:
Come now, O Prince of peace, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.
Come now and set us free, O God, our Savior.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations.
Starting over every day,
Pastor Lowell