Advent 3 Reflection

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Fourth Sunday of Advent, BCP 212)

"Please keep all hands and feet inside until the ride has come to a complete stop. Thank you."

For many in the church, this Sunday is going to feel like a roller coaster of emotion and story. We start the day with the Fourth Sunday of Advent... which usually gives us another few days or week to prepare for Christmas. Yet, this year, its only a few hours after we hear the story of Mary learning she will have a baby does the baby appear on the scene, changing the world. The Annunciation, the story of Mary and Gabriel, does actually have its own feast day in the church, nine months before Christmas, on March 25th. However, most people only hear this story during Advent.

I hope you will join us this weekend and hear the stories in their fullness. I hope you are able to take the time to bask in the overabundant love which God pours forth into this world in coming to us as a baby, trusting us with his Son. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus two thousand years ago, I hope you take a moment to think about Jesus being born in your heart and being your constant companion on the journey, even on the roller coasters.