Selah-a moment of pause in the season of Advent.

Selah-It is a word that appears 74 times in the Hebrew scriptures.  While the meaning is unknown it's generally thought to mean-stop and listen or pause and reflect. So, as the season of Advent gets in full swing, as the madness of the busy schedule of parties surrounds you, as shopping, cooking, travel, and gift exchanges push you to the limits of your endurance I ask you now: Selah. 

Now is a time of great anticipation, that is the season of Advent.  We are anticipating the arrival of our Lord and Messiah, Jesus.  For us it is the beginning of, not just the greatest story ever told, but the only story worth telling.  The moment in time when all things changed for we struggling to know God in a personal way. As we anticipate, we remember the journey of Mary and Joseph, putting ourselves in their shoes as we think about the hardships they endured.  Perhaps though, we are in the wrong shoes? 

Perhaps this year, as we consider the story of the nativity instead of focusing on the Holy Family we might, even for a little while, become the innkeeper.  Ultimately, that IS who and what we are! Jesus knocks at our door every day asking if there is room within us and it is our choice whether we ask him to come.  Selah.   

In Mass we pray: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, 
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. (Matthew 8:8)  We say these words with great reverence, but today I ask us all-are we living that reality?  In word and deed are we the Innkeepers that open our doors to give our Christ, our Savior, the home he so richly deservers and desires with us?

Selah.