Advent Thoughts
There's something about having a baby in the house that makes the season of Advent more poignant for me. I remember it being this way when N was small, too. I can really relate to how Mary must have felt... all of the waiting and anticipation, and then finally cradling something so precious, fragile, and helpless (how much more amazing to be protecting and nourishing God's own son?); marveling at creating a human life out of nothing (how much more amazing when the creating was done by the Holy Spirit Himself?); and envisioning all the years ahead in which I will have to release my precious darling into the lion's den that is today's world (how much more heart-breaking to know that death on the cross was inevitable for this baby?)
Some of the readings from yesterday's church service really hit home for me.
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. (Isaiah 35: 1-2)
(Life will be created in a place of death... what a message of hope!)
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. (James 5: 7-10)
(I wish I did more "strengthening my heart" and less "grumbling")
May I remember that, along with a savior, these are my two most important Christmas gifts:
Some of the readings from yesterday's church service really hit home for me.
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. (Isaiah 35: 1-2)
(Life will be created in a place of death... what a message of hope!)
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. (James 5: 7-10)
(I wish I did more "strengthening my heart" and less "grumbling")
May I remember that, along with a savior, these are my two most important Christmas gifts:
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