“O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light…”

Advent season is the perfect time to slow down and gaze at the stars. This Advent season each star has been given a unique name and our Saint Luke friends have been invited to reflect on what that name means to them. Their thoughtful reflections help us to also see the Advent and Christmas in new light.

Today’s reflection is from Donna Redmond:

Expectation

For me, expectation is at the heart of Advent. We joyfully anticipate the birth of our Savior at Christmas, as foretold by Prophets like Micah, in 5:2:

“But you, Bethlehem Eprathah,…out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”

My mind wandered down another path with the word “expectation”, as in a performance evaluation, which made me think about requirements. This led me to another passage in Micah, 6:8:

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

This passage, to me, is the guidance we need from God as we await the birth of Jesus.

Dear God, guide us as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Help us to act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with you. Amen.