Get ready to unwrap the 2023 Saint Luke Advent Devotional Series: "All I Want for Christmas." This Advent, our blog becomes a portal to daily reflections from writers within our congregation, each sharing their heartfelt desires and dreams this holiday season. What do you want for Christmas? Our writers’ answers remind us that the most precious gifts aren't store-bought but emanate from the depths of our souls. We hope that these reflections are a blessing to you this Advent season.
Today’s reflection is from Morgan Miller. Morgan has been attending Saint Luke since she was a baby. She enjoys the friendships she and her family have made over the years and enjoys helping with community outreach.
aweareness
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it…The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” -John 1: 5 & 9
This Christmas I want aweareness. Yes, I invented a new way to spell awareness because I want to find awe in life’s everyday ordinary moments. What is it about big days that make them go by so fast?! Months or weeks of preparation and then it’s all done in 24 hours. I want the attention, the patience, and enjoyment, to observe and be aware of my surroundings. Looking out for moments of awe may be: focusing on the fire of a flickering balsalm fir candle, watching the flame dance above the liquid emerald green pool of wax, appreciating the artwork that went into designing the candle, closing my eyes and inhaling sweet forest smells of pine sap, and slowly exhaling while reflecting on this moment of just being. I want to be mindful to add awewareness to the top of my Christmas list, in order to maximize my daily appreciation, and attempt to slow down this busy time of year.
“Behold the King has come, divinity incarnate. Creator of the world, breathing our air. Behold what light has come, and the dark cannot contain it. The Savior of the world is finally here” -Behold, by Travis Cottrell
Holy God, please grant me aweareness during this Christmas season to find awe in the traditions, the baking, the decorating, the buying, and the wrapping. Please remind me to thank you, for the awe inspiring moments of daily life that enfold around us. Amen.