I have always loved Advent. Maybe not as much as Katie Resendiz does, but that’s a high bar. While I am not necessarily waiting for the birth of a messiah, I love the idea of anticipation, waiting for something to be born, and the holiness of the wait. It reminds me of the sweet memories of having my children anticipate the magic of Santa and Christmas and my mother anticipating having her family come together. I love having the focus not just on the “Big Days”, but also having it on the days that lead up to the “Big Days.”
It has made me wonder what is waiting to be born in my life–not literally, of course, but metaphorically. What has been waiting in my life to be revealed in new ways? What has been growing? That question gives me pause in this busy season and opens up some deep reflection in my life.
It also makes me wonder what is being born in other parts of my world? What is waiting to be born in our community? What is waiting to be transformed in our world? As the world is in many layers of chaos, what are we laboring through in order to get to a new beginning?
Of course, as is my way, I don’t have answers, just provocative questions. My hope for you is that you take some time to slow down this season and have moments of contemplation for yourself. Whether what is being born are new opportunities or if you are in a long labor of change, I wish you peace and transformation in this time.