“What if in all these moments God is showing me over and over again what it is to listen? To hear God’s joy in the laughter of my children, to feel God’s peace in the cuddles on the couch, and God’s hope in reaching a hand out to share the peace on Sunday morning.”
“When I couldn’t muster any energy we all gathered in the living room, blankets and pillows surrounding us, and sat together on the couch. Moving into the new year I hope to pay attention to what my body is telling me which I realize I can’t do unless I’m willing to stop and listen and just be present.”
“This night holds so much light and darkness, joy and grief, welcome and loss, hope and despair, dreams realized and dreams lost, and on this night and in the year to come through it all you hold us, ushering us into a new year
where your presence, grace, and love, forgiveness, and redemption never wavers.”
“This lighting of the Christmas tree is one way they get to practice bringing light into the world. They’re only 5 and 2 but in a world that feels ever more dark, we need all the practice we can get bringing light and hope to fruition.”
“Coming Lord, we wait for you in this season of darkness looking to the light found on trees, on city streets, in candles and wreaths.”
“Walk slowly knowing that at the end we will be met by Jesus’ beginning. Advent brings us to the depths of darkness so that when the light enters, we can do nothing else but be drawn into its beauty.”
“In our homes help us to open our doors, extend our tables, open our hearts, embrace with open arms all who come, and teach us to be relentless in our welcome.”
“Since that walk, I’ve also kept my eyes open for the people and places who are bringing light into the world: neighbors who come together to advocate for peace and justice; communities gathering for worship and pray every week; friends bringing food to families in need; families opening their homes to children in the foster care system; individuals using their voice for those without one.”
“Teach me to see with the eyes of children – full of wonder and joy…”
“But before we move forward, be with us, Lord, as we look back, remembering the days behind us…”
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