The Guest house and Advent

This being human is a guesthouse.

Every morning is a new arrival.

A joy, depression, meanness,

Some momentary awareness comes

As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,

Who violently sweep your house

Empty of its furniture,

Still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

For some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

Meet them at the door, laughing,

And invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes,

Because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.

Rumi

Translated by Coleman Barks

Cited in Prayers of Healing

As I was looking through my collection of readings and resources, looking towards finishing Advent and the Christmas season, and with it, this exalting ordeal of writing 365 reflections, I was struck by how this famous reading from Rumi could be used as a poetic summary and act as an inspirational parallel to the people, events, and experiences of the Christmas Story.

From the Annunciation, to no room and the manger, from the joy of angels to the threats by Herod, from the protective bravery of Joseph to the wisdom of the Magi, there are, to my mind and heart, parallels to make, insights to be taken in, and affinities to be shared…