Once we change our clocks and return to Eastern Standard Time, a growing darkness will swallow up the sun’s rays a little earlier each evening. While we will miss the long sunny evenings, we are enchanted by the night sky and its stars. As the psalmist wrote,

“The Lord determines the number of the stars and calls each of them by name.”
-Psalm 147:4

As we journey through Advent, we will gaze at the stars and hear from various friends from our congregation, pondering their star’s unique name. Each thoughtful reflection will help us all see Advent and Christmas in new light. Enjoy!

Today’s reflection is from Lynn d’Entremont:

Visitation

When I read my Advent Star name, Visitation, the first miraculous visitations that came to mind were those by the Archangel Gabriel to Joseph, Zechariah and Mary. And, of course, the angels who visited the shepherds to tell of the Good News. And, then the Magi’s visitation to Jesus.

But, as I thought more about our last year and a half during the pandemic, how we lost our ability to make visitations, causing a disconnect, both spiritually and physically with one another, I realized how precious and important all visitations are. The angels are always quoted as saying “do not be afraid”. Visitations are caring, loving, joyful, and bringing peace. How blessed we are to be able to “reconnect” this Advent season. To bring to each other the blessings of our Lord and the anticipation of our celebration of His birth!

Dear Heavenly Father, as we enter into this time of Advent and we remember all your miraculous visitations. I pray that you will open our hearts within each of us and guide us during our visitations in your name. Please help us to be a blessing bringing love, caring and concern, your joy and your peace to our families, our friends and the strangers we encounter!

In the name of your blessed son, Jesus, Amen.