Advent – December 3, 2023

Sunday, December 3, 2023

          The Season of Advent always held special meaning for Michael and me, and even though Michael is no longer physically present, the practice of Advent lives on in my personal life.

          Immediately after Thanksgiving the air is charged with an element of busyness.  Everyone seems preoccupied, making lists, planning, purchasing, doing.  And it seems this busyness takes on a life of its own, leaving quiet and stillness behind.  The personal practice of The Season of Advent brought calm to each day, no matter what was on the agenda.  The time set aside for the ceremony became a sanctuary of peace and helped keep our focus on the real meaning of Advent.  It still brings me to peace to this day.

          I pray it will do the same for each of you, as we experience Advent together.  By this time, you have made your Advent wreath, and planned a simple ceremony.  So, each day I will share my reading with you, and encourage you to follow suit and find a reading that is best suited to you.

          On this first Sunday of Advent, 2023, the reading I have chosen is from Isaiah 2:4-5.

The Reading

December 3, 2023

          “… They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.  House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!”  Isaiah 2:4-5