7th Day of Advent, December 8, 2018

The calendar year seems to slip away, we are nearing the end of annual days. We arrive at a place in the year’s end when a beginning is suddenly the point of focus. As the year slips into its end, we celebrate the beginning.  Advent is here.

Before Advent we vaguely knew the Christ was coming, we did not know how we would be changed. Before Advent God seemed fierce and unapproachable, often we perceived Him as angry, as unsatisfiable.  

Yet with the coming of Advent we begin to know the less well-known story of God, not angry, but concerned and caring, a God deeply longing for relationship with us, His creation, we who are His children, His family, those from whom He cherishes the child-like title, Abba, or as we say, Daddy .

Advent opens the doors of our perception, allowing us to know that very loving God, who is with us always through the Holy Spirit, shepherding us through life’s dangers and uncertainties, always with us. In Advent we begin to know His story of entrance into our lives, His birth and His arrival in a stable, attended by shepherds and angels, eventually by the arrival of real kings, the Magi.

Take time this season to be reminded of all the steps covered in the Advent season. Put up an Advent calendar and open up each daily page and embrace the message. Be extra blessed and share it with a young child or grandchild. Watch for the true and exquisite excitement and joy as the child greets each day, and learns to wait for the next day until we reach that time when we celebrate the Christmas night. 

Share the delicious waiting for that celebration moment to arrive. You will be changed, and your grandchild and your child will be changed, as you most fully understand the meaning of “Joy to the World!”

Advent is upon us. O come let us adore him. Christ, the Lord.
​-Submitted by Jon Elvrum