Dear One,
This season is waiting for you –
to welcome you in to the warmth
to settle your soul
to light a fire within you.
You, too, are waiting –
for healing and wholeness
for compassion among neighbors
for understanding in differences.
Take your time this Advent to savor the sounds of the season –
the crackle of a fire
dough being mixed and kneaded
well-worn pages of your bible turning.
Take your time to see the gifts of the season –
lights twinkling, rays of hope
songs and stories shared over the computer
the words of the bible in the early morning.
Take your time to touch this season –
the warmth of your children’s hands
fresh baked bread
candles being lifted into the night.
Take your time to taste this season –
cookies and bread
hot cider and hot chocolate
a meal delivered by a friend.
Take your time to feel this season –
hope tinged with doubt
uncertainty laced with belief
joy intermingled with sadness.
The season is waiting for you –
brimming with God’s goodness
for us
for the world
given in peace.
Amen.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website, follow her work on Facebook, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.