Each week of Advent, I want to post a couple verses related to that week's theme, along with the prayer that they stirred up for me. I'd love to hear what these passages stir up for you.

Week One: Hope
Week Two: Peace
Week Three: Joy
Week Four: Love

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:18-25 (ESV)

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12 (NKJV)

Jesus... I see groaning from all of your creation every day for justice, peace, love and hope. For freedom from corruption. For freedom from the works of darkness. I read about it and hear about it from every corner of the earth. And I myself groan, even when I find myself contributing to the corruption instead of the restoration.

I praise you for the hope you have created in those of us who wait eagerly for you to restore and reconcile everything. I praise you that there is a whole new energy and longing from your followers to join you in putting this world back together. I praise you for the good things that are happening in Chicago, in Iowa, in our country and in the world. I also acknowledge how much more there is to do. I pray that you will instill in us the urgency of your Kingdom. That you will awake us from our slumber and help us to turn from corruption, temptation and the works of darkness, and turn towards your light. I pray that we will do these things, and not just think these things.

I pray for more faith, more wisdom, more direction, more love, more patience and so much more hope. Hope for our world and hope for our lives. We love you. We believe you. We long for you. Amen.

Labels: Jesus

There's something special happening at the Apollo Theater right here in Chicago, and it will continue to happen until the end of December. It's a play called The Sparrow that has received lots of glowing reviews from people who love the good things in life, and my wife bought two tickets as my birthday present. We were unprepared for how much we would love The Sparrow.

The story sounds dark - the only surviving member of a small town second grade class that suffered a fatal and tragic bus accident returns to town ten years later to graduate from high school. The drama comes primarily from her not knowing how to live in this town and the town not knowing how to accept her. But wait, there's something else you should know... Emily - that's the girl - has... well, she has powers. She can "make things happen" when she puts her mind to it.

The story is stirring and the acting is hyperbole-inducing. But what really made the show for us was two things:

1 - The writing is really beautiful. Everyone has their own voice, there's never a wasted scene. There are a dozen or so actors playing more than two dozen characters and every one of them is memorable. There are little moments that give the play heart, and there's a lot of humor. The humor really endeared me to these characters and when things got intense in the second act (as they often do) , the play really earned its emotional weight.

2 - I don't know enough about theater to call something 'groundbreaking', but this performance used the medium in a way I hadn't seen before. Emily's powers come to life in a real hearbeating way, but they do it on a budget of almost nothing. There are no special effects (save one maybe) and everything is done through lighting, sound, choreography, simple and effective props and especially motion. It has to be seen to be appreciated. It's simply dazzling and it is the main reason I would love to see the show again.

(2a - The music is pretty great as well)

So, if you live here, I think this is one of those must-see shows. It's a Chicago original and from what I've read, it seems like it won't always be a Chicago-only show. It's the original cast and everyone from the writers and directors to the stage managers seem to be putting their whole heart into it. If you have the opportunity, it's even worth a trip to Chicago. But hurry, it's here through the end of December, and the first two runs of the show completely sold out. Last night wasn't sold out so you may be able to get tickets, and friends, I'm convinced it's just about the best entertainment in Chicago right now.

Labels: Other