We all know that we are well on our way to Christmas, only a short amount of time to finish buying gifts, preparing for family, etc. But we still have some days of Advent left before we find ourselves looking at a tiny babe in a manger. I am trying to keep my heart and mind in the season of Advent by reading reflections or devotions on Advent, so I take my time getting to Christmas. Today I read a reflection/devotion on Advent from the book Speak it Plain, Words for Worship and Life Together by Meta Herrick Carlson.
Here is the reflection: The sacred call “Prepare!” does not ask for lists or logistics. We do not “Keep awake!” only to ensure we are not forgotten at the rapture. Nor is the stillness sedentary. So, do not simply go looking for a candle scent to capture what it means to Ponder, or a gift to prove your Love, or a tall tree to announce, “Joy to the World!”
Advent lays bare visions of time bending into already and not yet, by the God who tears apart the hustle, the heavens, the temple curtain! With no intention of mending back together our favored boundaries. This is the thin space where stillness is powerful and God is changing our hearts, so sacred Ponder, Love, and Joy can birth and shelter. The miracle grows with slow strength in the one place we have all called home, where we do not yet know another way, while our fullness is being prepared, carried, and nourished by the One who says, “Yes.”
As I read the Advent reflection, I was drawn to the words Prepare, Ponder, Love, and Joy. Advent is a time for us to ponder and prepare. It is a time to reflect on what is important in our lives. It is a time to share our love and joy with others and a time to share the love of Christ Jesus with others through simple acts of kindness. I hope that you can find some moments of peace where you can reflect on the Advent Season. I hope you can find moments to prepare your heart and mind for the fast approaching Christmas Season.
In the remaining days of Advent, I encourage all of us to lean into the season and to spend time in the stillness. We may be surprised at how God changes our hearts with sacred pondering, loving, and joy.
Blessed Advent,
Pastor Katrina Steingraeber
