The Four Places of Advent: Eden (Part 1)
In this episode, we begin our Advent journey in Eden, a place of freedom, communion, and life without shame. Eden is not only a moment in history, but also an interior garden within each of our hearts. We talk about the deep ache we all feel for union, rest, and peace, and how this longing reveals our original design for communion with God. We also reflect on the shame that often accompanies this desire for communion with others, especially when our desires are left unmet, and how bringing these places of poverty to Jesus opens us up to real, lived communion with Him.
Show Notes
One Thing We Love This Week:
- Sister Miriam’s one thing - Sacred Anchor Artisans (Catholic Etsy!) founded by Tim and Molly Olsen
Michelle’s one thing - The Inspired Living and this Chrism Candle
Michelle’s other one thing - Fr. Innocent Montgomery, CFR
Heather’s one thing - The Renew Conference in Toronto
Heather’s other one thing - Her Advent Worship Playlist
Discussion Questions:
-
How have you experienced yourself as a gift?
When have you experienced an ache for Eden in your life?
When do you feel exiled from Eden?
- What glimpses of Eden have you seen in your life recently?
Journal Questions:
What are the unique gifts that God has placed inside of you?
When do I experience shame in the ache for communion?
When have I recently experienced a rupture from Eden?
Who in your life allows you to feel at home and at ease?
How can I return to Eden through a daily practice?
Quote to Ponder:
“We all long for Eden, and we are constantly glimpsing it: our whole nature at its best and least corrupted, its gentlest and most human, is still soaked with the sense of exile.”
Scripture for Lectio Divina:
“Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”
