Several years ago four members of the Presbytery decided to go on a pilgrimage to Scotland to follow the trail of the Celtic church. It was such an inspiring experience that we planned and led a similar Pilgrimage for members of the presbytery. That pilgrimage was followed two years later by another journey to Iona, Scotland and Ireland, completing the trail of the ancient celtic church. For many of us, these pilgrimages were such deep spiritual experiences that our faith was forever transformed.
Psalm 122:1-2 speaks of a pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem to worship God. The difference between a pilgrimage and other trips is that it's end purpose is to worship God. Our journey through advent is intended to be a type of pilgrimage that ends in the celebration of the birth of the Messiah. If we stop to worship, read and pray each day of the journey we may find our faith strengthened and our spirits transformed as we travel.
Lord God, send your Holy Spirit to journey with us as we go "up to the house of God" in our imaginations and memories. May the end of the journey find our faith transformed.
Carole Isley Corey is a spiritual director and enjoys preaching and teaching where invited.
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