This time of year can become incredibly routine as we begin another year in the church calendar. The season of Advent anticipates the Savior’s coming into the world. Hasn’t he come already? We did read about this happening in the Gospel readings, and yet we still get caught up in the ritual of waiting, hoping, seeking. How does observance of this season assist us in our spiritual journey?

I struggle with how to honor this season well, and immediately I am reminded that divine love pierced the darkness to illuminate my soul. While being reminded that the world longs for a messiah, my spirit seeks the same. I hope tomorrow will be a brighter day than today. I long to grow in the wisdom that God reveals to me. These are things for which I anticipate, strive, and live.

We are not unlike our ancestors, for we know what it is like to live without the Light to guide our path. How we struggle is not unlike the ancients. We see the presence of Christ in a new reality, but we constantly search for His presence in our world. Sometimes it appears that the Holy One is virtually not here. We seek, hoping to find the Light in a world that knows nothing about light.

As we continue through this Advent season, I hope that you find a spiritual connection to the One who created you. I hope that your search will lead you to the wellspring that illuminates your soul. Above all, I wish you peace, a sense of calm that sustains you, plus a million and one blessings. Journey to the manger and be transformed and made whole.