Advent begins

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival”.  This year at Sophia’s Spring we have chosen the theme of ‘Rocks and Water’ for Advent. There are times, in one’s own life but also in the stories of our tradition, when one needs to stand firm like a rock and then there are times when it is best to flow, like water.

Robyn wrote new words to an old tune to introduce the theme of ‘Rocks and Water’.

Rocks in deep water
Stones by the sea
Smoothed by the waves
Relentless and free
Tides set in motion
Rain on the land
Rivers and oceans,
Pebbles and sand

Chorus:
Here is Sophia
Running or still
Sometimes on outcrops
High on a hill
Deep in the gorges
Hidden ravines
Laughing white waters
Cold mountain streams

Andesite fountains
Rising to birth
Volcanic children
From deep in the earth
creations beauty
Mystery who brings
Sun sparkling rivers
Underground springs
Chorus

Here are the stories
Through all our lives
These are our pathways
Ancient and wise
Rocks in the water
Weathered cliff face
Cascades of wonder
Torrents of grace.
Chorus

Words: Robyn Schaefer
Tune: ‘Assurance’ written by Phoebe Knapp (in 1873 for her friend Fanny Crosby’s hymn ‘Blessed Assurance’)