My prayer this day is that wherever you find yourself on the journey that memories of love will sustain you; that spirit will attend you; and that you will know a moment of peace as light is born anew in you.
Step one in our Advent Preparations
On November 22 we began the process of decorating the church and the hall. Step one in our Advent preparations. I am always amazed at the transformation that takes place. Each person pitching in, putting up greens and lights, assembling trees and placing poinsettias and over the course of two or three hours our space comes alive. There is a warmth and peace permeating the space and upon entering there is an immediate sense of being enfolded in love.
Memories of love
In this same time period I took out the decorations for my own house and tree. As I trim the tree my being is flooded with stories and memories – the bells given to us our first Christmas, lovingly crocheted and accompanied with a poem; the ornaments made by our children; the candles created by my niece; the glass icicles from my sister and the crocheted angels and trees passed on to me from my mom. As I remember each story, warmth and peace permeates the space and I am enfolded with love.
The Christmas Story can speak to us
Christmas can be a difficult time for many. With the emphasis on materialism and on family gatherings we feel our losses keenly. Yet, as followers of Jesus, this time of year and the story that we remember can speak to us in the midst of our loss, uncertainties and anxieties calling us to see those rays of hope, those moments of possibility and be held in a love that knows no bounds.
Mary and Joseph had their world turned upside down, first with the news of an unexpected pregnancy and then a surprise trip that would not be easy. Unable to find shelter they found themselves in a barn and it was there that their child was born. Through it all they found those markers of hope and as they leaned on one another and spirit gained strength. Despite the difficulties a child was born and new life brought joy and possibilities.
My prayer this day is that wherever you find yourself on the journey that memories of love will sustain you; that spirit will attend you; and that you will know a moment of peace as light is born anew in you.
Blessings
Valerie