Advent Week 3-- Joy through heaven

Advent Week 3.

How quickly has the Advent season passed for you?

For me, it seems like it has gone by quickly. Christmas is upon us. We will have the 12 days of Christmas and then Epiphany (January 6).

I don't know about you, but I have needed this time of Advent. I have needed the time to reflect, to pause, to slow down, to ponder.

Here are the posts and photos from Advent Week 3 in one place:

December 15-- Joy

Today's word is "joy".

It was a joy-filled day on this Advent Sunday of joy.

Tonight's cantata was a joy-filled experience to end this day.

The "joy to the world" cookie summed up today's joy.

The joy I felt today was a deep and abiding joy.

#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter

December 16--Dawn

Today's word is #dawn.

I found this upon looking up the word:

the beginning of a phenomenon or period of time, especially one considered favorable.

"the dawn of civilization"

Similar:

beginning

start

birth

inception

conception

origination

genesis

emergence

advent

coming

appearance

debut

arrival

dawning

rise

starting point

origin

launch

institution

inauguration

opening

initiation

onset

outset

unfolding

development

infancy

day one

kickoff

the word go

commencement

As I reflect on the definition and words, it strikes me as interesting that "advent" means dawn. It's the coming of, the beginning. What is unfolding for you, for me this Advent season?

The photo is from The Mill Line Trail today as the sun broke through the clouds.

Instead of waiting for things to get to a certain temperature or xonfort, today I simply "began". Oh, begin. Oh, dawn.

#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter

December 17--Earth

Today's word is #earth.

I stopped by a location for breakfast today and found these pics.

"Let the earth rejoice."

As I reflect on that today, a song by Graham Kendrick and Psalm 66:1 from Nan Merrill's Psalms for Praying come up.

Let all the earth hear His voice
Let the people rejoice
At the sound of His name
Let all the valleys and hills
Burst with joy and the trees
Of the field clap their hands
Justice and love He will bring to the world
His kingdom will never fail
Held like a two-edged sword in our hand
His word of truth shall prevail
Shall prevail
Let all the earth hear His voice
Let the prisoners rejoice
He is coming to save
Satan’s dark strongholds crash down
As with prayer we surround
As the cross we proclaim
Let all the earth hear His song
Sing it loud, sing it strong
It’s the song of His praise
Silent no more we cry out
Let the world hear the shout
In the earth the Lord reigns
Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1985 Thankyou Music

Music ChartsCopyright 

Psalm 66:1

Sing a joyful song to the Beloved all the earth, and praise Love’s name;

#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter

December 18--Longing

Today's word is #longing.

As I reflected on today's word, I noticed these pushing up out of the ground. It's December. It isn't Spring yet. However, new life is pushing its way into the world. Growth isn't hindered. Somehow, life continues. Through obstacles of coldness and against the natural pattern of expectations, these plants are making their presence known. My longing would be to be like these plants--- to have their resilience tenacity, to grow despite all odds.

#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter

December 19--Clouds

Today's word is #clouds.

This photo is from July 2024. The shine of the sun light behind the clouds catches my attention.

I looked through my 100s of photos of clouds. Yes, I adore them.

I have photos of puffy clouds, wispy clouds, heart clouds, cotton-candy colored clouds, etc.

I enjoy looking at the sky and watching the clouds form and unform. As they float above me or below me (if I am in a plane), they get my attention.

Some days there are no clouds to admire. Other days there might be so much cloudiness that there is no distinction in the clouds.

But when there is a mix of the blue sky and clouds, it is an adventure to observe.

#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter

December 20--Journey

Today's word is #journey. This photo is from a recent trip to Mexico in September. I had no idea flying in how adventurous the journey would become, that we would shelter in place, etc.

Life is like that. There is typically unknown along the journey. My goal (more and more) is to live in the present. I attempt to live, love, and lead well. I don't always get it right. Things happen along the way. But I continue to learn and grow.

There have been many journeys for me in the one journey life. This Advent journey this year has offered me a space to slow down and reflect.

Peace, love, hope, and joy on the journey--
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter

December 21-- Heaven

Today's word is #heaven.

As I reflect on the word, a song sung by Amy Grant "Breath of Heaven" (Mary's Song) comes to mind. Link: https://youtu.be/FWo3qlqyW1c?si=O6NL-63a6tH8rYBs

Considering the Divine Mystery breathed life into creation and made the heavens and earth, then "breath of heaven" causes me to consider that in every breath we breathe, we breathe in what was created.

We experience heaven in the here ans now.

A newborn* baby takes its first breath outside its mother's body. It breathes the air created to fill its lungs. It doesn't yet know or understand all the complexities of its tiny body.

Yet, along with the air it breathes, a baby reminds us to be present, to notice, to draw near to the Creator.

All of this is heaven.

*(Thoughts of a newborn are caused by my school friend of nearly 50 years becoming a grandmother today.)

#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter

As the Advent journey continues, may you find meaning along the way.

Rev. Deb