Thursday, December 1, 2016

Dear God,

Advent brings a tender mercy, a loving caress that welcomes us into the very presence of heaven.  Whether we are celebrating the wonders of family, Christmas, and all the joys around us or we are barely hanging onto life with chaos, confusion, and grief, you come to us.

Just as we wait and long for our baby to be born, so do we hold dear all that is precious to us during the season of waiting, Advent.  We recount our blessings, our gifts, our fine relationships that spoil us with great love.  Each day that passes causes us to feel your gentle touch, get caught up in the wonderment of the season, and gaze upon the starry night where the one great star will shine just weeks from now.

It isn't that we just want Christmas to get here; Advent is the prized moment of taking stock of love in the NOW, of grace, and peace.  Joy can come anytime because we are focused on the deep resources of faith that infuse us with your holy presence.  What gift is greater?

Gracious God,
we sit
with you,
waiting together.
We thank you
for waiting time
because it
truly is
the time
to pause,
consider,
and give thanks.
Thank you
for these
priceless moments
that are like
no other.

Gratefully, Andrea