Advent – December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

The Sixth Day of Advent

Yesterday, my grandson taught me that the best of gifts is not a wrapped present, but my presence with him, the gift held within doing something together.  My granddaughter came with the same lesson today.  We are a multi-generational household, but no one else was awake.  So, just before 6:00 am, this morning, the door, to my quarters, opened slowly, revealing a sleepy, smiling face.  She asked, “will you play with me?”  How could I say no.  I did not resist, even though the box she was carrying was one of a Play Doh ice cream set, the ones where you create ice cream delights, by forcing the Play Doh through a machine, then spooning the “ice cream” into little plastic cones or cups.  Oh yes, cannot forget the many syrupy toppings to pour, or the other decorations to sprinkle.  You know exactly where this is going, and you are correct.  This was going to be a tarp on the floor kind of mess.  I tried to match her level of excitement.  Not so sure I made the cut there.  But we did head up the stairs, and began setting up our ice cream parlor, on the circular table, after a plastic sheet was placed on the floor.  There were so many ice cream cones and cups to decorate.  The more we played, the more we laughed, and my excitement finally reached her exuberance, well almost.  The mess no longer occupied my thoughts, as I watched her carefully making ice cream cones and sundaes.  We cleaned up together, even the floor.  The plastic sheet somehow got caught in the legs of the chairs, and play dough ended up on the floor, everywhere.  But for that tender invitation to play, my morning would have consisted of paying bills and doing other adult things.  However, this morning an invitation was offered, and I accepted.  And because I said yes, my day was better, glorious.  It reminds me, how often we hear the invitation to spend time with God, but ignore the call, choosing to work on a project we think is important.  It is easy to see God in the shining eyes of a child.  Today a child led me to play, and now I recognize The Gift it was.  Advent continues to bring surprising lessons, especially about living in the present.  I hope you too are being called to play, to see the face of God in a child, or any person really, who reaches out, with an invitation, and asks you to play.

On this sixth day of Advent, 2023, the reading I have chosen is from Isaiah 9:5-6.

The Reading

December 8, 2023

 “Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:5-6