This past Sunday began the
Christian tradition of Advent--the season encompassing the four
Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the observance of Christmas. It’s a time
for Christians to slow down and spiritually prepare for the celebration of the birth of our
Savior, Jesus.
Advent offers us several gifts unique to the season—Christmas music, lights galore, and abundant opportunities to share and care and show God’s love and presence to others.
Advent can be a time to slow down so that we can note God’s presence in our own lives and in the lives of others—a time to wait on God to speak to our hearts, guide our words, and direct our actions. We know that we need to take time out to give our bodies rest. It is the same with our souls. When we come into God’s presence our hearts and minds are refreshed, our spirits lifted.
Advent invokes sweet memories when we hear a favorite Christmas song. It is a time of twinkling lights of every hue, reminding us of Jesus—the Light of the world. It is a season that offers us the blessing of both giving and receiving.
This Advent, let’s open the gift of slowing down so we can be aware, prepare, and notice God is there. Let’s ask the Lord to give us the grace to savor the greatest Gift of all—forgiveness for our sins through Jesus our Savior.
Be encouraged!
©2022 Pamela D. Williams.
