Advent preparations.
Dear members and friends of St. Matt's,
I hope this note finds you well as we enter December. The next few weeks are always exceedingly busy for all of us - both at church and in our own lives. This past Sunday, as we prepared for worship, Don said to me in the narthex, "Advent is a time to slow down." And I paused, looked at him, and said, "Is it, though?" And we laughed.
And of course, he's right! Advent is intended to be a time that we do slow down, when we make room to hear the voice of God. Not quite as somber and penitential as Lent, the feeling of Advent is different. However, it does invite us to serious reflection, to urgent waiting, to prayerful giving. All of our efforts and all of our time are pointed at the end of the season, at the coming of the Lord. For me, too, the idea of slowing down right now seems impossible - and yet, if I'm honest, there is time for me to carve out here and there. For me, it will likely be in the beginning and end of the day, when the baby is sleeping. It doesn't have to be a lot. Just a few moments here and there when you can honestly clear your head, open your heart, and prepare a room within you for the Christ-child.
As we make our way through this season, lighting more candles on the Advent wreath, marking the weeks and the days until he comes, I invite you to the spiritual discipline of waiting. As you hang the garland and light the candles, as you run the kids around, as you shop for gifts, as you plan and cook and clean and drive and do all the things you have to do: wait for him urgently. Look for him in the sky as the sun comes up. Wonder at the mystery of creation. Give thanks for the blessings of your life. He will meet you where you are if you can make just a little bit of room. And join us here for worship on Sunday mornings as we listen to the Word that promises us life.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +