Friday, November 23, 2012

Dear God,

On the early morning drive to shop for groceries, first it was the outdoor Christmas lights, then the Christmas music by Josh Groban, and then the church sitting as a silent witness to faith, the light, and the living presence of Jesus that captured my heart.  I felt an emotional and spiritual tug from and toward you.  But why not?  You are all around me.

As I paused in the parking lot, I realized the genius of celebrating Christmas every 12 months.  It is the opportunity to pause, to reflect, and to remember your goodness, mercy, and love.  Every year the Advent season stirs new life in me.  There is always a birthing that takes place in my soul.  Never mind the commercialism or the greed, the idea of Christmas reminds me of faith centered in Christ.  I look at my life and discover I want to travel again to Bethlehem in my spirit.  I want to pull together the items of faith in order to make the journey to the manger.  I want to hear the hushed cry, see the mother's love, and witness a father whose love touches us again and again.  I want to kneel down and give my own gift.  I want to celebrate the presence of a life full of faith, of God who is merciful, and a spirit who is the power of breath.  I want to love and be loved.  I want to share it because that is always what I find at the manger.

As I walked through the store picking up items to make a nice dinner for friends who've come to visit from California, pictures of thankfulness spun around in my head.  So many blessings, so many offerings, so many gifts, so much love.  Jesus.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for simple reminders
that profoundly speak
of your presence
in the world.
Thank you
for quiet moments
to celebrate
and give thanks.
Thank you
for the blessing
of devotion
where I too
may give back.

Love, Andrea