Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation, and I love anticipating big moments. Counting down to birthdays, to big trips, and especially Christmas can be such a pleasure. Advent is often called “the Christmas season,” but those of us who know better, know that the season of Christmas begins on Christmas Day. Advent is unique, and you’re invited to marinate in this special season for the next four weeks. In Advent, people are often a little nicer, a little smiley-er (even behind the face masks).
And why not? For many, the willingness to be a little more kind and a little more hopeful is simply a byproduct of the season. It’s hard not to smile when you see sparkly lights in the trees and colorful cards in the mail. But for some of us, the joy of Advent goes much deeper than décor. The joy of Advent comes in the anticipation of a moment, an event, a miracle that changed the world forever.
We know Jesus is the one who is coming, Jesus is the one who has come, and Jesus is the one who will come again. This is the season when we remember that Jesus came into the world to show us, tangibly, how much God loves us. And when we truly know we are loved; we can begin to reflect that love to ourselves and to others.
I pray this Advent season, and this Advent meditation book specifically, is a gift to you that will bear much fruit in the future. You are loved, and with that love comes great hope! - Rector Chris Girata
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