Final Days of Advent

The theme of the Advent season is joyous preparation, waiting and watching for the signs of grace, preparing for the birth of the Christ Child, and for the re-birth of the sun. This is a time of light born out of the darkness, but only the very beginning, not anything complete. The solstice was the turning point- each day will get a little longer now until spring, and I can feel my own inner growing- a flicker of compassion, a butterfly of creativity, a tiny sprout of wisdom.

When I observe advent well, I find that I am mostly prepared for this final week- my house is fairly clean, shopping is almost finished, and the cupboards are filled with delectable food. I need to complete only a few finishing touches.

I need also to keep my focus on the Spirit of Love that guides me.

Agenda This Week:
1. Prayers:

• Each morning as I wake, pause to take a slow breath, and center on Spirit. Stay in this gentle meditation as I get dressed, walk Sadie, and move through my morning.
• Sit every day for a few minutes of silence. Simply practice feeling a presence.
• Remember to give thanks.
• Send prayers to others. Pray that God’s love and protection will reach out and surround my loved ones, and all the people of the world.
• Listen for guidance.
• Pray all day: Pray as I walk, as I go about the work of the day, before I eat- just concentrate on the Spirit’s presence and say a simple phrase to keep us in communication.

2. Decorate with greens:

"Now, why is this tree in the kitchen?"

Evergreens are a symbol for eternal life, because they stay green when everything else dies. 

Because of my broken arm, I'm not making a wreath this year, but I've still been collecting greens all week- some pruned from our Christmas tree, some collected from a large Douglas fir branch that blew down in the park, some from our over-grown Mugo pine. I plan to cut them up to distribute around the house.