“A week before the world became disordered by a virus that would become a global pandemic, eleven members of the Andover Newton community traveled to Arizona and Mexico,” begins Rev. Kurt Walker’s (MDiv ’10) essay about his experience during a border-crossing immersion trip with Andover Newton Seminary students and Andover Newton Theological School alumni/ae.

 

Inspired by Rev. Randy Mayer’s (MDiv ’94) sermon during Alumni/ae Convocation in 2019, a group of students and alums gathered on the border of Arizona and Mexico in mid-March (during Spring Break) to learn more about the ministry happening there. Walker writes: “This occurred by coming face to face with the men, women, and children who are directly impacted by United States immigration policy. In the process, we were transformed.”

 

After the students and alumni/ae returned home, the days that followed were confusing and chaotic as the impact of COVID-19 was recognized across the country. In the context of this transitional time, many from the group did not have an opportunity to offer reflections on the transformative nature of their mutual experience at the border.

 

Now, as we approach Advent, five members of the travel team have written and produced reflections using the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, love, and, finally, the light of Christ on Christmas to frame short essays. Some essays are written word; one is photographic. These pieces will be published each Friday from November 27 to Christmas Day, December 25.

 

As we journey together through these strange and uncertain times – times of intentional waiting – we hold tenderly the tension of calamitous injustices that threaten to extinguish the flickering candles of hope, peace, joy, and love on the US and Mexico border. And yet, as the waiting of the season comes to an end, we are reminded that the illuminating light of the Christ candle will never be snuffed, and indeed it will prevail even in the bleakest of winter nights.

 

Beginning on November 27th, join us for this five-week journey. Help us hold the tension. Allow yourself to step into the experience prepared to be transformed.