“People, Look East”
A newer Advent hymn, found in our blue With One Voice worship books is “People, Look East”. That is a very different message than “Go West, Young Man” from American history. But that may be very appropriate for the season.
The advice to “Go West” was an encouragement to head in a direction that offered personal challenge and success, opportunity and risk.
To “Look East” is a reminder to observe the actions of God on our behalf. Look to Bethlehem in the East to be sure. But look East, away from personal actions, and see God’s provisions – Guest, Rose, Star, and Lord, as the hymn says.
Look East, and see the promised visitor of God, the one we decorate for during Advent.
Look East, for the growing promise of God’s bountiful gift, a Rose proclaiming beauty, but holding the blood-red color of the cost to God.
Look East, for the Star. Really? And you thought the wise ones from the East followed the star to the west. But we live in a different place and time; we are invited to shift our view from home and locality, from this Western nation, and look outside ourselves, strain our eyes and attention to see the Lord’s arrival outside our too often small world.
Look East, yes it is the Lord who comes. Not Santa down Santa Claus Lane, not our inflated credit cards bills, not our party invitations.
This Advent we are reminded once more of the ancient story, the even more ancient promise – Jesus is coming, God’s promise comes, the Lord draws our attention to the preparations and promises – the Advent of our God. “People, Look East”