This week is Thanksgiving here in the US.
It's a time we are intentional about expressing our thankfulness and our gratitude for the many blessings we have been given. This year probably more than ever it seems that the whole world is just tired. We're tired of this season of uncertainty, constant change, illness, and we're weary. But in this moment, we're called to pause and reflect; be thankful for what we do have. It's too easy to gloss over and rush through the season in our hurry to catch deals, decorate our homes with lights, and celebrate Christmas. I think that's why I've come to enjoy Advent so much. It reminds us that we're in the waiting. . .
Dictionary.com defines advent as a coming into place, view, or being; arrival. There is an air of anticipation around this time of year.
the anticipation of expectation
the anticipation of the waiting
the anticipation of appearing
the anticipation of anticipation
Don't jump ahead! There can be great reward and joy in the waiting! There's work to do in preparation and hope to build around the expectation.
The culmination of the toil, the weariness, the hope will be the physical and manifest presence of Jesus!
Emmanuel!
Our God is here with us!
Our God is still with us!
Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! Start a list of all the things you are thankful for and each day this week, make it priority to add to that list! It's hard to be grouchy or weary when you are thankful!
I have so much to be thankful for.