Time to sit down and be quiet

Happy Advent!

Advent is one of my favorite times of the year - the preparations, the blue paraments and evergreens adorning our spaces of worship, the lights shining in the midst of the darkness (and let me tell you - last night, driving the rest of the way home from California, it was DARK!), and the opportunity to slow down and be still in the midst of our culture's rush and frenzy.

Advent is easy enough to miss. Our "consumer" culture doesn't have a lot of time for the prayer and reflection the season offers as we prepare our hearts and lives for Christ to be born in us. It takes an intentional pace and disciplined space-making, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Even if you aren't usually one for sitting still or contemplation, during these next days and weeks, give it a try. Light a candle (or the appropriate number of candles on an Advent wreath), set a timer if you have to - start at even just 3 to 5 minutes, sit comfortably, breathe deeply, and join Mary in "pondering these things" in your heart, or think about the words to one of your favorite Advent or Christmas carols.

Tomorrow evening we begin our Advent mid-week services here at CtK. We'll have a soup and bread supper at 6:15pm (kids activities start at 5:30pm) and then Evening Prayer at 7:00pm. We will be using the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy, which is a favorite for many. Come sing, pray, reflect, read Scripture, and have a chance to slow down for an evening. Following worship, those who are interested are invited to stay for a conversation about "Whose Birthday is it, Anyway?" a magazine of reflections, activites, how-to's and more, all ideas for a Christ-centered holiday. Free copies of the magazine will be available.

May this Advent be filled with blessings.