fire temple--entering into the season of advent

as we enter the season of advent, i thought i would share with you some images, song lyrics, and a quote that will I will be keeping in and around me this season...that for many brings forth anxiety not peace, fear not rest, loneliness not community.

...may they bring life to you as well

The icon is called Fire Temple,
by a local friend artist named Joy Banks in Vancouver, BC.

Our TN community is going to use this as a central image for entering unto advent this year. As my friend and coworker said,
"The piece explores how we are all having Christ formed within us--we are temples of the living God set aflame with the Holy Spirit/holy life within us-- burning bushes through whom others encounter God as that life is forming. It also speaks to the waiting and anticipation of the advent season that focuses on how God was born into human flesh."

a song that was written after seeing this image...

Fire Temple -Tom Wuest

May I be your fire temple
Make your home in me
Jesus, I'm your fire temple
What grace to carry Thee

My breast a burning bush

Your living flame within
This temple formed of dust
Bears You, O holy Child

And a quote from one of my favorites,

“The issues of the world are very important.
But I have to learn to approach them from the heart of God. I have to be deeply rooted in God’s heart before I can know how to respond faithfully to these issues…The closer you are to the heart of God, the closer you come to the heart of the world, the closer you come to others. God is a demanding God, but when you give your heart of God, you find your heart’s desires. You will also find your brother or sister right there. We’re called always to action, but that action must not be driven, obsessive, or guilt-ridden.
It’s action that comes out of knowing God’s love.”
-Henri Nouwen

May we be formed anew this season...may Christ be formed anew within us.