Wednesday, December 9, 2020

The Rev. Nathaniel Bourne

Draw Near

I always think of winter as a time to draw near – to draw near to the warmth of fire, a good book, the people I love. I think of drawing near to a packed church on Christmas Eve, or to an elaborate meal with family or friends. The ties of tradition connect me to my childhood, my family, colleagues, friends, and community. The yearly rituals of setting up a tree, hanging stockings, baking cookies – all of them draw me in closer to those around me and to parts of myself. Over the past few years I’ve learned to embrace the harsh winters of New England, and the contrast of comfort and warmth that form a necessary refuge.

This winter will seem colder than others. I’m already feeling the toll that social distance is having on me. I will miss the physical togetherness that is so much a part of Advent, Christmas, and the whole winter season. But I wonder how “draw near” will take on other meanings this year. I think of St. Julian of Norwich, whose Revelations of Divine Love our Advent group is working through. She lived most of her adult life as an anchoress – a monastic vocation that meant living in one place, her anchorhold, never leaving it to see more of the world. Despite her stationary life, her richness of spirit allowed her to feel a deeper connection to God, other people, and the natural world. In the midst of separation from the world, she came to love it in new ways. What are the new ways God is inviting us to draw near this year, both to Godself and to one another? It may mean more Zoom gatherings, phone calls, and outdoor hangouts. But it may also mean more silence, altered traditions, and solitary rituals. I don’t know what the Spirit will reveal to us this year, but I trust that God is at work in the paradox: Even as you stay apart, draw near.