Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high; and behold the joy that will come to thee from thy God.
Say to Jerusalem that her God is coming to her, and He wishes to make her His bride.
Somewhere, many years ago, I remember reading Augustine’s words that Christ came to earth as to a wedding. Such celebrations are filled with dancing and joy and hope and laughter. By the gentle asceticism of these Advent days we prepare ourselves, as did Jerusalem, for the divine visit, and detach ourselves from all that is not God who has claimed us now as His spouse.
In today’s Collect we prayed:
Almighty and merciful God,
may no earthly undertaking hinder those
who set out in haste to meet your Son,
but may our learning of heavenly wisdom
gain us admittance to his company.
Image credit: Eduardo Montivero
Inspired by Prosper Gueranger
Touching the Sunrise 