Rev. Emelia Attridge

Rumi is a 13th century Sufi mystic poet. His poem "The Guest House" is one I immediately thought of when I began to reflect on the hymn "People, Look East" as our 2025 Advent theme. I love the line, "Love, the guest, is on the way" and how much potential rests in this one phrase. Is the guest a neighbor, a friend, a family member? Someone who will teach you something new or about yourself? Someone who is seeking reconciliation (from you or for themselves)? Perhaps the guest is God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit. Regardless, we hear in this verse "get ready! Love is on the way!" and are reminded that Love takes many forms. 

Rumi's "The Guest House" reminds us that not every guest is a welcome one. The same can be said of "Love." Love is messy, imperfect, and often hard. How can we be making space and preparing for the what God needs us to hear this Advent? Not just the reminders we welcome, but the difficult aspects of discipleship for whom we maybe we don't always want to set out the best linens. 

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a 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.