And So the Adventure Begins…

Posted on December 1, 2024 by mitchteemley

Advent, the season leading up to Christmas, is the root of the word “adventure.” It means to finally arrive after a long journey. It is about Christ’s arrival. And ours.

“The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent. Life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.” ~Henri Nouwen

“One of the essential paradoxes of Advent: that while we wait for God, we are with God all along.” ~Michelle Blake

“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“For outlandish creatures like us…Bethlehem is not the end of our journey, but only the beginning — not home, but the place through which we must pass if ever we are to reach home at last.” ~Frederick Buechner

The Lord is coming, always coming.

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About mitchteemley

Writer, Filmmaker, Humorist, Thinker-about-stuffer
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23 Responses to And So the Adventure Begins…

  1. wordancerblog says:
    December 1, 2024 at 2:57 pm

    Oh, this was needed balm for my soul. I’m reframing Advent as my winter adventure moving closer to God. I’m ready for the journey! Thanks, Mitch!

    Reply
  2. clcouch123 says:
    December 1, 2024 at 3:05 pm

    Terrific citations. I hope this is a season of God’s blessings for you.

    Reply
  3. K.L. Hale says:
    December 1, 2024 at 3:18 pm

    Thank you, dear Mitch. I kit my first candle today and enjoyed a beautiful Sunday gathering. So it begins…thank you, Jesus.
    I’m so thankful for you, Mitch. Many blessings, dear friend 🙏🏻

    Reply
  4. Nancy Homlitas says:
    December 1, 2024 at 6:06 pm

    Michelle Blake’s quote packs a powerful punch. Thanks for sharing these thought-provoking quotes, Mitch. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Darryl B says:
    December 2, 2024 at 2:04 am

    Love the Bonhoffer quote. There was (not sure if there still is) a movie about him on NF… ”Bonhoffer.”

    Reply
    • Maren says:
      December 2, 2024 at 6:36 am

      I’m sure Mitch will answer this as well — yes there is. To find it you need to add the unpronounced “e” in his name “Bonhoeffer” I have not seen it yet — thanks for the remnder.

      Reply
      • mitchteemley says:
        December 2, 2024 at 6:50 pm

        ‘Bonhoeffer’ is streaming on a number of platforms. Just google it and pick the one you’re subscribed to, or use one of the free streaming services (which include commercials).

        Reply
  6. Maren says:
    December 2, 2024 at 6:37 am

    Thanks so much. It is so good to receive Advent refocus every single day!

    Reply
  7. RasmaSandra says:
    December 2, 2024 at 10:33 am

    When I lived in Latvia my late husband and I always went into the woods to cut evergreens to make a homemade Advent wreath and we also made sure we had the right candles for it. It was a tradition I cherished and now I have the great memories.

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says:
    December 2, 2024 at 3:22 pm

    The Gospel of John 3 makes it so clear. There are two births in this life, not one. Both are free. The 1st is the birth of our physical body. The 2nd is the birth of our spirit. Everyone knows they are alive in this world, our 1st birth, but few have received the 2nd birth. This birth comes only when we accept Jesus as Lord, King and Savior. When we are willing to submit ourselves to Jesus.

    Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

    Jesus has “All authority” therefore only by placing ourselves under His complete authority can we know Him and be lead by Him. This does not make us perfect, it makes us children of the Most High God.

    Reply
  9. Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D. says:
    December 4, 2024 at 11:42 am

    Timely quote from Bonhoeffer.

    Reply

  10. Pingback: And So the Adventure Begins… – QuietMomentsWithGod

  11. peggywritesblog says:
    December 5, 2024 at 8:59 pm

    Great quotes for the Advent season, Mitch, thanks!

    Reply

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