By Libi Clifford
EVERY MONTH has its own character and I think November is definitely the month of endings.
Pentecost is the end of the church year. In our churches, November begins with remembering and honouring with prayers all those who have gone before us. Later in the month, in and out of church, we remember with a day of acknowledgement, reflection and prayer, those who fell in battle to protect our freedom.
In nature, the November forests and gardens look barren. Do the unleafed trees and plants make us appreciate the greenery of spring even more?
As a quilter and embroiderer, I have found that before starting the design for a new project, everything from completed projects has to be put away.
Threads and fabrics are sorted and put back in their places, and the detritus is removed. Getting ready for something new, at least in my world, works best if I make room. I need clear space to design, both in my mind and on my tables. The design thrives in the empty space.
As we prepare for Advent, which begins December 1, do we need to make physical and mental space for Advent to thrive? Doesn’t our Advent wreath deserve its own uncluttered space? It can also be a new beginning to our prayer life. Do we also need to put away some of the prayers we have been using and give some thought to prayers designed for Advent? Will doing this help us appreciate the Advent season more?
Praying does not need to be difficult or original. If you prefer to start with a written prayer, it is easy to find Advent prayers on the internet and then modify them for yourself. Beginning in November find or write something that inspires new reflections so that you will be ready on December 1!
This November, make space for the beginning of a new church year. Let your prayer life thrive by using “new to you” prayers:
Lord, your spirit is with us.
Holy Spirit, fill our homes and our hearts with the warmth of your love.
Inspire us to new beginnings.
Libi Clifford is an AFP Huron executive member.