Peace. It is what it is. Look to the good. These are the words and phrases that shape much of my approach to life. As we begin the Advent journey, I am hopeful some of these words might impact our spirits as come close to Christmas.

We, of course, will pay attention to the traditional words of Advent. Hope. Peace. Joy. Love. Each week a candle light will represent one of these words. We will wonder how hope and peace and joy and love bring us close to faith. Close to the Christ-child. We will pray that these words will be more than words—that they become more a part of our lives so that Christ might live in and through us. This is the point of Jesus’ birth, is it not? That is why Advent is a journey. These kinds of things do not happen all at once. 

It takes time to be challenged and then have enough courage to accept the challenge to be the bearers of hope and peace and joy and love.

Oh, friends, but when we do…when we live the ideals of Advent, our faith grows. Kind of like the Grinch’s heart. Kind of like Zacchaeus. Kind of like the disciples. Kind of like Paul. Kind of like Mary Magdalene and all the women who showed up during Jesus’ ministry. Kind of like we are supposed to.

And, then, life is good. We’ll find goodness in new and different ways. We will have more compassion and kindness. We will be more selfless. Priorities will shift ever so slightly. Goodness can come to us in unexpected ways, even in the birth of a child. This is the possibility of the Advent journey.

Our Advent theme is the Journey to Goodness. Let us travel together. Let us actualize the words of Advent. Let us prepare once again for Jesus to be born in our hearts and souls.

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Hope to see you soon. 

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Peace,

Kelly