My New Year 2024 begins today—the First Sunday of Advent. I will light the first candle on the Advent wreath this evening. With the lighting that candle I will begin to prepare myself for the Christmas Promise—that Christ might be born in the Bethlehem of my heart in some new way.
Advent is the beginning of my new year, because….
Advent is a very special time... a time of promise
it is a time of preparation for the new about to happen
it is a time of new beginnings
Advent is a time of expectancy...a time of happenings
annunciations are heard if ears are opened
dreams are dreamed and guidance given
Advent is a time of giving birth to God
we carry God around with us and do not know it
it is a time for a new birth within.
Advent is a time of waiting, waiting
for mountains to be brought down; hills to be brought low
for valleys to be lifted up; crooked places to be made straight
Advent is a time of moving...a time of transition
it is not a movement backward, but forward
it is moving me, you, and the world to a place it has never been
Advent is about newness...a time for the "New Things"
it is a season of receptivity and openness
it is a time of new vulnerability for me, for you, for God
Advent announces a Way...a time of new dreams
it is a time to sing our own song, dance our own dance
it is a time of searching and for finding
Advent is all of the above...it is kairos time
it is a good time to start anew, to begin again.
Advent is the time to follow your star.
