Psst!  It's Advent.  Do you want to know the one to watch as the model disciple?  It's Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Keep your ears open when Mary suddenly appears in those lectionary readings.  Of course, we will not all understand, feel, hear or see Mary in the same way.

Some of us will approach Advent and Christmas with a Head Spirituality.  This spirituality type is most comfortable learning through the word and grappling with its content.

Others will approach Advent and Christmas with a Heart Spirituality.  This spirituality type values depth of feeling and seeks to experience God in the moment.

Others will approach Advent and Christmas with a Mystic Spirituality.  This spirituality type desires to engage in a deep sort of knowing and is more likely to listen for God rather than to speak to God.

Still others will approach Advent and Christmas with a Reign of God Spirituality.  This spirituality type is a person who is an active visionary, seeking a faith that transforms.  (Adapted from Discover Your Spiritual Type: A Guide to Individual and Congregational Growth, Corinne Ware, Alban Institute, 1995.)

You just might know one of these spirituality types with a member of our congregation.  You might even see our congregation as one of these types.  At one time or another, as individuals or a congregation, we are all four of these types, but we usually have a preference of a spirituality type where we are most comfortable.  With each spirituality type comes comfort and challenge as we prepare for and celebrate the birth of Jesus.  And, oh yes, there is that model disciple who seems to know, experience, take in and see in Jesus that which will transform our faith forever.

We are a richer congregation for having people of all these various types of spirituality.  I would also suggest that there is enough room for all of our various spirituality types to fit in our Sanctuary as we worship our God.  May God bless us in the richness of our diversity.