Clement of Alexandria - December 5th

Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”      1 Kings 19: 11-13

Clement was  Greek philosopher from the 2^nd century. He lived at a confusing time where philosophy, science, and religion were all competing with each other. It was also the time of gnosticism, the belief that salvation was only available to a few lucky folks who had the right knowledge, or secret, of “getting into heaven.”  Among all these competing “voices” Clement believed Truth could be found.

We live in similar times.  There are the neo-atheists who believe that God simply “isn’t.” There are some religious folk who don’t believe in dinosaurs or evolution.  There are scientists hoping to find a man behind a curtain who calls himself “God.” And, yes, there are those Christians who believe that one simple, specific prayer is the key to “getting saved.”

Clement studied philosophy religion, science, and he was a Christian.  Somehow, in the midst of all the competing voices, Clement heard that “still small voice” that is God.  For us, Clement becomes a role model because he reminds us that in all the competing voices of the season, there is only one for whom we should listen:  that still, small voice that comes to us in the silence. 

As we enter the season of Advent, be aware of the cacophony: the advertisements that exhort us to shop early, the neighbors who remind us to decorate mightily, and our children whose lists grow ever longer.  
Then pause. Breathe. Listen. For that is the work of Advent.