An Island of Peace

Dear Friends in Christ -

During the holidays, St. Paul's transforms into an island of peace. Over this weekend, as I've sat in my home office in prayer and reflection and Bible study (I have to have a sermon ready for tomorrow!), I've looked out over a nearly empty parking lot.

It's an unusual sight. Most of the time, the parking lot is full morning to night - people coming to AA meetings and Weight Watchers, people coming to art classes and scout meetings, people coming to the counseling center. All this activity is great: a sign of physical, emotional, spiritual health for the parish and our guests. (The intrepid AA folks have still been here in the mornings - good for them!)

During the next four weeks, however, there will be less bustle and more peace. Parish meetings will be at a minimum. The parking lot will only fill up for worship services, health-building gatherings (like AA, weightwatchers, Bible studies, etc.) and holiday celebrations. This is ON PURPOSE. You could use the extra time to shop more. You could use it to work more around the house. But the invitation FROM GOD is to set aside time during Advent to WATCH and WAIT. This watching and waiting makes space in us to receive the AMAZING, POWERFUL gift that's coming our way at Christmas.

TODAY you're probably doing one (or more!) things to prepare for the season that lies ahead. I invite you to do this: set aside 15 minutes each day to watch and wait. RESERVE TIME ON YOUR CALENDAR (otherwise it won't happen!) to sit down with A HOT CUP OF TEA, THIS BLOG (there will be an Advent Reflection here each day - plus comments from you and your fellow parishioners), and YOUR BIBLE. This is the best gift you can give yourself, and doing this will transform your whole holiday experience. It will bring St. Paul's 'island of peace' into your home, into your heart.

Blessings,
Janet+