In a time of disorientation, Jen shares her reflections on ‘the joy of going through the motions’. Like no year before (or hopefully ever again), what the world needs most from the Church this Advent is a model of finding joy in the waiting.

In many ways it’s difficult to find adequate words to describe this year. ‘New normal’ or ‘unprecedented’ have quickly become overused, along with “next slide please” or probably the most used phrase of the year “you’re muted!” Many of us may well have felt muted and all of us are ‘feeling it’ in some way. Simon shares about the importance of Advent as part of our processing.

An expression of our sorrow during this time of individual, national and international lament

“We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love” (Psalm 44;25-26)

Many of us are in a state of shock. As we struggle to surrender to our situation other emotions might surface too …

Sorrow is a state of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment. Grief is a God-given response to losing something or someone special.

Along with the appreciation and applause for key workers on Thursday nights, anxiety and anguish also fill our streets.

In our isolation, are we seeking solidarity as we share in a communal lament?

There isn’t a single way to grieve because we are all different but there are some common stages we can begin to recognise.

Where are you at today? Is there someone you need to share with?

“For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10)