Start a New Year with Advent

Happy New Year! Yes, I know it is only December 1, but the Advent Season marks the beginning of the new year in the Christian calendar. I don’t know about you, but I could use a fresh start right about now.

I’m excited about Advent and our devotional book Changed in the Waiting. In just the Introduction and Day One I feel as though God is already speaking to me. I want to encourage us to approach the season with reflection. The world will tell us we don’t have the time but I pray we will ignore the rush and the hustle and listen to God instead. During our Spiritual Renewal weekend, we sang In Christ Alone. The line that always catches my ear is “What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease.”

I plan to cease my strivings this Advent and mark the time of waiting to allow God to teach me and shape me. This means I will stop or do less of some things (like scrolling social media or watching too much television) so that can be more present with God and my loved ones.

I’d like to extend the same invitation that author Michaele LaVigne closes the introduction with. “These (themes hope, love, joy and peace) are not just things to observe from afar; they are the very gifts the Spirit seeks to grow in us as we wait. … But it’s important to remember that these are indeed practices, not performances. The goal is to become more aware of God’s presence and activity in our lives, not ace an assignment. I invite you into a posture of curiosity and receptivity as you engage with the readings, practices, and questions for each week. It’s okay if it’s unfamiliar or challenging, or if some days click better than others. We trust that the Spirit knows what the Spirit is about, even if we do not.”

Let’s be Changed in our Waiting,
Pastor Cindy