December is a time of anticipation, reflection, and hope. The days grow darker, the winds turn cold, and we wait for the rebirth of the Light. For Christians, this is the season of Advent. We light candles, chant carols and contemplate the mystery of Love made Flesh in Jesus. For gay people of faith this season can be especially rich and profound, as we reclaim our ancient symbols and explore new understandings of Divine Incarnation.

In this Advent retreat we will gently and creatively consider the ways in which our lives reveal the queer face of Christ to the world. We will share our stories, our struggles, our joys, our loves and our hard-won wisdom. We will use creative ritual, contemplative silence, shared prayer, experiential workshops, conversations and discussions, to reclaim and re-embody our faith. This retreat will welcome all people who seek to deepen their spiritual lives during this holy season, however, it will especially focus on the wonder and grace of our lives as gay Christians, as people called to allow Divine Love to take flesh in us and in our world.
 
The retreat will be hosted by John Stasio, founder of Easton Mountain Retreat Center, and Michael B Kelly PhD, presenter of The Erotic Contemplative video-series, and author of Seduced by Grace: Contemporary Spirituality, Gay Experience and Christian Faith. They will be joined by an experienced team of facilitators who will offer a variety of workshops and programs. Join us as we prepare for Christmas in the beautiful, contemplative surrounds of Easton Mountain.