Monday, December 17, 2018

A Breathtaking Advent


The last week before Christmas is always a flurry of decorating, baking, writing cards, and attending holiday events or gatherings. As always, God provides a way for us to take a breath and get centered, as described by the writer of Psalm 8:

When I see the heavens, 
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars 
which you arranged,
what are human beings 
that you keep them in mind,
mortal creatures 
that you care for them?

When we take a moment in this season of Advent to look outside as the sun is rising, we see the graciousness of first light highlighting the simple beauty of bare tree branches. When we look up at the night sky, we can catch a glimpse of the green fuzzy “Christmas comet” streaking across the heavens. Given the majesty of creation, it is a wonder why God keeps us in mind and cares for us—and yet, each year we are reminded of God’s great love in the coming of Emmanuel, God with us.

The rituals we have developed to celebrate the birth of Jesus are wonderful expressions of our creativity. Let’s also take time to honor the handiwork of God by looking at the marvels of creation in which we are immersed and offering our heartfelt awe and gratitude.

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