2020 Advent Devotions
Friday, December 4 - Jan Ingraham
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
As I reflect on the receiving good and joy-filled news or a moment when God brought joy to my life in a new way, I think about the gift of time we have had during these COVID months.
In our busy lives pre-COVID, we longed for those days off and wished to have them more often. We planned our vacation days and packed in as much as we could, to take it all in! Staying home was never looked at as a fun idea of vacation but I truly believe that everyone has found that their time at home is special and the time spent with family will be treasured and remembered for some time. Family meals were options again for many without the rush out for sports or events etc. Games got dusted off from the shelves and found new joy again to pass time. We gave out puzzles as gifts this past Christmas to many as just a “something fun” idea but not knowing how special they truly were for those to have had them during those early days!
I was able to get to the tasks on my to do list, start a garden with my son Colin, enjoy long walks, had time to visit my parents in MA and getting to listen to Audible books on the drive. Amidst what seems like negative noise, look around and listen, you will see God’s hands showing you something to smile about! I thank God for this time we have had together.
Prayer: Dear God, in these troubling days, please continue to show your hands in the world for us to see the beauty, the calmness, and loving ways that feed and nourishes our souls. Amen.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
As I reflect on the receiving good and joy-filled news or a moment when God brought joy to my life in a new way, I think about the gift of time we have had during these COVID months.
In our busy lives pre-COVID, we longed for those days off and wished to have them more often. We planned our vacation days and packed in as much as we could, to take it all in! Staying home was never looked at as a fun idea of vacation but I truly believe that everyone has found that their time at home is special and the time spent with family will be treasured and remembered for some time. Family meals were options again for many without the rush out for sports or events etc. Games got dusted off from the shelves and found new joy again to pass time. We gave out puzzles as gifts this past Christmas to many as just a “something fun” idea but not knowing how special they truly were for those to have had them during those early days!
I was able to get to the tasks on my to do list, start a garden with my son Colin, enjoy long walks, had time to visit my parents in MA and getting to listen to Audible books on the drive. Amidst what seems like negative noise, look around and listen, you will see God’s hands showing you something to smile about! I thank God for this time we have had together.
Prayer: Dear God, in these troubling days, please continue to show your hands in the world for us to see the beauty, the calmness, and loving ways that feed and nourishes our souls. Amen.