Today’s Author: Julene Hawkins
10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
The cold, soft flakes of fresh snow danced in the wind around me as I stopped a minute to embrace the beauty of winter. Sighing a breath that I had been holding a little too long, I leaned my shovel against our maple tree and observed the still, quiet, and calmness of heavy snow. How long had it been since I had taken a moment to pay attention? Another busy holiday season snuck up on me, between baking, shopping, wrapping, working, caregiving, and running from one thing to the next, I had yet to slow down to reflect on the advent season.
While I am focused on what’s done and what needs to be done, it’s easy to overlook what God is doing. Every day and season, God is working on us, working through us, and in the world. Renewing, redeeming, reinventing, reenergizing, refreshing, and reconnecting to make things new. The blank canvas of fresh snow reminds me of the preparation of Jesus’ birth, and the work yet to be done within us as we too prepare for his coming.
What does the birth of Jesus mean to you?
Where do you find reminders of salvation in this season of Advent?
Gracious God, open our eyes and bless our Advent journey. Enable us to look beyond the familiar and observe instead your presence before us and around us. Remove the blinders of resentment and fear, and by your, Spirit help us to see Jesus in the face of both friend and stranger, for the sake of your love. Amen.
“Mid-week devotions are authored by members of our community. If you are interested in creating a trio of reflections to be shared on an upcoming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday contact Pastor Peter.“