Some thoughts as we head into the Season of Advent

. . . and the stars will be falling from heaven.

Mark 13:25

Apocalyptic stars make a grand appearance in the lectionary texts for the First Sunday of Advent. I was reminded of these Advent stars when I walked in my neighborhood a few nights ago. A crescent moon wandered up beneath two twinkling luminaries, and I thought about our longings for light in our nighttime places.

2020 has been a year of uncertainties. Many stars we thought forever anchored in place seem to be falling or wavering.

In the midst of these uncertainties, I have been grateful for connecting with students, even if only by Zoom, for amazing wisdom and insights shared by colleagues, for accomplishments celebrated, for chapel services shared together. Many glittering granules of community and learning together have filled me with Spirit-hope.

Thank you, students and colleagues, for inviting me to catch bits and pieces of light across this semester. I cherish the fire that together they and we have created in my heart and mind.

I wish you blessings on the remaining weeks of the semester and as we begin another Advent season.

“The stars are falling–“
was she asking or announcing?
“a sign of the times.”

A moon sickle
slid beneath the stars–
to catch them, perhaps,
as they tumble
through turbulent times
to a light-hungry earth?

“She will hold the pieces,” I said
and smiled at the hopeful moon–
bent on cradling the aching light
until she is full–
one more time.

**Thanks to all who helped to make possible a smooth registration period. Please reach out to the Office of Academic Affairs if you have questions or concerns about your Spring 2021 schedule.