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The Great Wait
Celtic Advent Meditation
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Join us for a contemplative journey through the sacred tradition of Celtic Christianity in "The Great Wait." This course invites participants to explore the four sacred readings from the Christmas Eve Vigil, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of scripture and meditation. The ancient Celts gathered around the fire on Christmas Eve to retell the key moments of the Birth of Jesus during different parts of the night. Each passage corresponds to the dance of darkness and light that surrounded the community as they told the ancient story of waiting for Christ anew.
Each week, we’ll reflect on one of the readings, engaging in thoughtful discussions that illuminate the themes of divine presence and the universal embrace of God's love made Incarnate in Jesus. Our time together will include a meditative sit, where we allow the wisdom of the scriptures to resonate within our hearts.
To deepen your exploration, journal prompts will be provided, encouraging personal reflection and insight into how these themes connect to your own spiritual journey. Together, we’ll contemplate the ways God reaches out to all people and fosters a deeper understanding of hope, anticipation, and community during this sacred season.
Experience the stillness and renewal of Advent as we await the extraordinary gift of Christmas.
Weekly Schedule- 2 pm EST the Sundays of Advent:
12/1 - The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining
12/8 - The Rev. Canon Jane Gober
12/15 - The Rev. Kristen Ostendorf
12/22 - The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining
All replays available on course page.
Starts December 1st, 2024
Membership Community
COURSE INSTRUCTOR
The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining
Hillary currently serves as the Rector of St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. She’s an accomplished scholar and teacher, and is passionate about helping people deepen their connection to God through traditional and innovative means. She is the founder of The Hive, an online community focused on spirituality and wellness and holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University. Her academic work explores topics including leadership, reconciliation, preaching, trauma, and Indigenous theology—including meaningful research with her own tribe, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Native Americans, on ritual and intersectionality. As a pastor, Hillary is known for her warmth, deep listening, and creative spirit. She is also a spiritual director, yoga and meditation instructor, forest therapist, and beekeeper, and brings a holistic approach to ministry grounded in love, joy, and justice.
To learn more about Hillary, visit her personal website here.
