A Circle in the Dark: Daily Meditations for Advent

This book invites the reader to experience Advent as a spiritual journey to Bethlehem a journey from darkness to light. Each week explores the traditional themes of Hope Peace Joy and Love that are present throughout the season. It begins on the first Sunday of Advent inviting the reader to be open to new or unexpected encounters with God to find the mystery and wonder so often missed in day-to-day life. Each daily meditation offers a poetic insightful reflection on scripture verses that voice the human spirits longing for the Holy Spirit--the continued struggle to find light in a dark world. As the journey unfolds the reader will walk through the cold bleakness of the winter season and the bitterness of despair guided by the hope peace joy and love promised in Christ fulfilled on Christmas Day. Those familiar with biblical texts will be drawn in by the vivid images and relevant messages of the poems. Similarly those for whom biblical texts are less well known will find intriguing and accessible images that might prompt a desire to learn more. Laypeople and clergy across denominations will find comfort and challenge in the familiar being made new should they accept the invitation to seek the Light of Christ on the long often difficult journey to Bethlehem. These Advent meditations are the most challenging creative and meaningful ones ever published. Rachael Keefe integrates her biblical knowledge her pastoral and prophetic perspectives her psychological and spiritual understanding of persons and her own lifes pilgrimage to offer profound insights and challenges for our spiritual journey through Advent. Anyones Advent will be enriched and made more meaningful by interacting with Keefes soul and mind in the meditations. -Merle Jordan Emeritus Professor Boston University School of Theology Rachael Keefe offers individuals and communities of faith a fresh timely and authentic invitation to the season of Advent. Her readers will find thought-provoking verses with references and images that confirm the complexity of modern life. Through her poetry that resonates with Scripture she opens up multiple layers of a lived faith that keeps hope alive in the midst of doubt. Readers will find the courage to dream again. This book is a valuable resource for personal reflections and public worship. -Sharon G. Thornton Professor of Pastoral Theology Andover Newton Theological School Rachael Keefe is the chaplain at the New Hampshire Hospital the state psychiatric facility. She is the author of Negotiating the Shadows (2010).