Advent Hope: I Will Sing a New Song

 For many an Advent season, I’ve read Howard Thurman’s little book, The Mood of Christmas.   The book always lifts my spirit.  It helps me get in the proper mood for Advent.   I’ve always found synonyms helpful in getting at the “depth” of a particular word.  Synonyms for the word “mood” are: frame of mind, attitude, feeling, outlook, perspective, temperament, disposition, responsiveness, feeling, sentiment, emotion, etc.

Synonyms for the word “Advent,” help me get a handle on the real meaning of the word and the season:  

—something is “coming”

—something is about to “arrive”

—it is the “onset” of something new

—an “appearance” is about to occur

—something is “approaching”

—a new “entrance” is anticipated.

Thurman captures the “mood” of Advent in  “I Will Sing a New Song:”

The old song of my spirit has wearied itself out.

It has long ago been learnt by heart;

It repeats itself over and over,

Bringing no added joy to my days or lift to my spirit.

I will sing a new song.

I must learn the new song for the new needs.

I must fashion new words born of all the new growth

   of my life—of my mind—of my spirit.

I must prepare for new melodies that have

   Never been mine before,

That all that is within me may lift my voice unto God.

Therefore, I shall rejoice with each new day

And delight my spirit in each fresh unfolding.

I will sing, this day, a new song unto the Lord.