Day 32 **Bonus Post** - Hope waits for us at Advent

I considered using a well-known Advent hymn or even a Carol for this extra reflection but then I thought I`d look for something completely new, or at least, new to me.

I love finding new material for hymnody, as my own congregation and other congregations in the North West will confirm and so I Googled Advent hymns on the theme of hope, which took me to YouTube. After a few false starts, (promising lyrics but dreadful tune, or even worse performer) I came upon this offering. Initially all I had were the lyrics and tune and the name of the author/composer. More Googling led me to the fascinating website queersacredmusic.com and then to the website of Progressive Christianity, where I found this brief bio;

Dr. Amanda Udis-Kessler is the author of three books, including 2024's "Abundant Lives: A Progressive Christian Ethic of Flourishing" (Pilgrim Press) as well as a major contributor to the 2023 anthology "A Liturgy for All Bodies: New Words for a New World" (Cyclical Publishing). A sociologist, Amanda is also a lay preacher and the accompanist at Vista Grande Community Church UCC in Colorado Springs, CO. She writes at the intersection of religion, ethics, and social justice and creates free-use progressive worship music. Amanda consults and offers training on a wide range of topics, including creativity, inclusive liturgy, and how white people can work against racism.

I knew I was definitely not in your average “worship song” territory but I liked the words and they made me think. So often we hope in Advent or at least we search for hope. In this hymn “Hope waits for us...”.

It is a resolutely positive and encouraging message and I commend it to you this Advent!

Hope waits for us at Advent. Hope waits for us to trust.

Hope waits for our commitment to a land that’s kind and just.

In this time of preparation for the work of co-creation,

For the birthing of a world that heals the ones in pain,

Hope is born in us again.

Peace waits for us at Advent. Peace waits for us to rest.

Peace waits for our acceptance of the truth that we are blessed.

In this time of preparation for the work of co-creation,

For the birthing of a world of gentleness and play,

Peace is born in us each day.

Joy waits for us at Advent. Joy waits for us to sing.

Joy waits for our amazement at the grace in everything.

In this time of preparation for the work of co-creation,

For the birthing of a world where wonder is restored,

Joy is born in us once more.

Love waits for us at Advent. Love waits for us to care.

Love waits for our compassion, freely offered, fully shared.

In this time of preparation for the work of co-creation,

For the birthing of a world where faith shapes all we do,

Love is born in us anew.

Amanda Udis-Kessler

Alan Kennedy