Advent: Week 2, Day 1: Roots

Donna
Dec 7, 2025
3 min read

Mother Root by Jan Richardson — *Mother Root* by Jan Richardson

The second week of Advent invites us to consider how we are rooted in our identity as children of God.

"A root will spring forth from the stump of Jesse,

and a branch out of his roots." (Isaiah 11:1)

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

in him the Gentiles will hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

in believing, so that you may abound in hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:12-13)

In The Advent Door, Jan Richardson writes that the above passages "refer to the root of Jesse, from which a branch of hope will grow... reminding us repeatedly that our lives are collectively rooted and grounded in what has gone before, and specifically in the story of God’s saving, liberating action on behalf of God’s people.

Many of the readings for Advent call our attention backward and beckon us to remember, to recall, to return to the roots of our shared story, and to perceive how the story continues to unfold: in the birth and life of Jesus, in our own life, in the life of the world.

Advent is a season to sort through our memories. ...and beckons us to look at our stories with an eye toward finding new connections, different patterns, deeper layers of meaning. It’s an invitation to enter into memories not just for memories’ sake but to see what God might create from them. Going to the root, what new thing might spring forth?"

Winter may at first appear lifeless and depressing, but there is a profound sense of hope concealed within this season of waiting. For trees and other plants, winter is a crucial time for rest, protecting both root systems and seeds. Author Christa Avampato discusses how this reflects our own inner wintering:

"Plants send sugars to their roots because the roots are protected underground from the harsh reality of winter. Below ground, they cultivate strength and resilience to utilize when the light and warmth of spring finds them.

What can we learn now that can help us in the future?

What parts of our inner lives can we work on now when exterior circumstances make outward progress difficult?"

As we wait in the darkness of this Advent season, we can draw on the strength and experience of those who have gone before us, those who are now part of our personal and collective root system. We are held by many, and invited to share in the song.

Song: Singing in the Dark (Carrie Newcomer)

https://youtu.be/o9hwc_2cfAo?si=LWt8ZJ4gI7y-j6K7

Tending our roots, will help strengthen us for the coming winters of life, and also help prepare us for new things to emerge. It can be helpful to contemplate what roots us, both from the past and now in the present.

Jan Richardson created the image above as an expression of how she experiences her life-roots: "I am rooted here, drawing on the strength of generations, listening to the whispered stories in the rustling of leaves. Here all the unremembered, unrecorded names have been traced into the bark. Here the tree grows strong, nourished at the mother root."

Blessing:

Spirit of earth

Take root in me;

Strength of fire,

Enliven me;

Power of wind,

Blow through me;

Blessing of rain,

Fall on me.

Wisdom of blood,

Flow through me;

Promise of seed,

Unfold in me;

Endurance of story,

Speak through me;

Spiral of time,

Remember me.

(Jan Richardson)

For Reflection: Take some time this week to consider the roots in your life.

Where and with whom do you feel a sense of connection and rootedness? Who or what helps you feel grounded and held?
What do your roots need in this time of waiting in the dark and cold? How might you nourish and strengthen them?
Where or when have you been a root for others?
When have you woven your voice with someone else's song in the darkness?
How might you support another in their waiting in darker times?