The Beginning of the Good News

These are the first six words in the Gospel of Mark. “The beginning of the good news…” And yet it isn’t lost on me that this gospel does not begin with Jesus’ birth. Instead, it jumps straight to John in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The Gospel of Mark confronts readers with the immediacy of the gospel. In fact, “Immediately” is the author’s favorite word, appearing 41 times in the Gospel of Mark. 

Stepping outside the gospel, we certainly encounter immediacy in the world each December. The world tells us, loudly and often, what it is that we need to be doing right now. We need to shop for thoughtful presents, wrap them beautifully, and place them under our decorated tree. We need to attend festive gatherings with friends and make sure to host at least one in our home. We need themed family pajamas, antlers for our dogs or cats to wear, and Christmas cards featuring our beautiful, smiling family to share with the world. 

Those needs, while frantic and loud, can often feel dishonest. The pressure of more and the illusion of perfection detract from our ability to prepare for Jesus’ birth. In Godly Play we say, “It takes time to get ready to enter a great mystery”. But where do you find the time? Or how do you make it?

It is with that in mind that the Advent Retreat and Quiet Day was planned. This first-time offering in the Diocese of San Diego is just that: the opportunity to find or make the time to prepare your heart to enter the Mystery of Christmas. Whether you can come for the weekend or a single quiet day, there is intentional programming to support you in your journey. A few highlights of the weekend include.

• Walking with Mary – Friday evening will be spent engaging with the EDSD Advent curriculum, Walking with Mary. We will explore Mary’s holy Yes, her visit to Elizabeth. There will be an opportunity to write our own Magnificat and Anglican prayer beads.
• A Morning with Mark – Saturday morning, we will gather to read the entire Gospel of Mark. There will be time for quiet reflection at the end.
• Activities – Throughout the day on Saturday, participants can choose from a variety of prayer and sabbath activities to choose from and to help breathe space into crowded hearts and minds. While the list is still evolving, offerings may include centering prayer, wreath making, sunset prayer hike, labyrinth walk, singing in community, and a visit to the Camp Stevens animals.
• Worship – We will practice a rhythm of worship and prayer, including Morning, Noon, and Evening Prayer, Compline, and Holy Eucharist as part of the retreat.

More than any intentional activity or beautiful worship service, this Advent Retreat and Quiet Day is an opportunity to press pause on the world’s immediacy and make room for the immediacy of the gospel. We hope you will join us as we create space for the beginning of the good news. 

The EDSD Advent Retreat and Quiet Day is being led by lay and ordained leaders from across our diocese, including Teresa Hixson, Amy Lajiness, Charlotte Preslar, the Reverend Jacob Robling, and the Rev. Canon Beth Scriven. For more information and registration: https://edsd.org/adventretreat