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Thoughts from your SAM…

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Happy New Year… Both liturgically, December 1 as we begin our new church year
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with Advent and on January 1 since this issue of our Traveler covers both December
and January.

Advent is a season of preparation, anticipation, and waiting…a time to reflect on
Christ in our lives. During this Advent season, we will experience again our Chrismon
service which tells of Jesus’ love and hear a “wake-up” call that Christ is coming soon
along with John’s fiery call to “repent” and make a new beginning. We’ll joyfully watch

our youth as they present the “ABC’s of Christmas” as we pray that God opens our
eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us. Advent ends with Mat-
thew’s unique story of Jesus’ birth told through an angel’s announcement to Joseph.
Christmas Eve we hear again how the king of the universe was born to a poor and

outcast young mother in a stable because no one would make room, an action that il-
lustrates God’s profound love for us.

Our anticipation and waiting becomes an Advent mantra of “Come Lord Jesus” which
invites us to reflect on the presence of God in our daily lives today; to be intentional in
seeing and experiencing God’s presence every day; to take a break from the stress

and busyness of the frantic searching for perfect gifts and the endless baking and
cooking in preparation of our Christmas gatherings. Sit in silence, practice just
“being.” Clear our minds from all the “have to do” lists. Feel the warmth of God’s love,

peace and light permeate every cell of our being. Listen for God’s wisdom.

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