The First Sunday of Advent

The first Sunday of Advent is this Sunday.  It is then that we begin our journey towards Bethlehem, to see our Infant King. 

I sit in the darkness watching the lights hidden by the curtains.  I weep for those who have gone before us on their roads to Bethlehem.  I miss them this time of year, very much, but then I rejoice with memories,
singling out times of joy and laughter.  Then I weep in gratefulness for having had them in my life for good or ill.  No matter what, they helped to make me the person I am today.  For that I am most grateful.

I think of our Infant King who was born in a stable, cold and poor, but into the arms of a family who loved Him.  I hold those moments close to my heart and wonder how they felt, not knowing, but knowing the promise of the Messiah.  I think of how the world welcomed Heaven's Light on Christmas Morning when Love was born.

Again, I cry, as I begin my journey to Bethlehem.  I hear the silence in this darkened room as I watch the lights of Christmas.   I don't know, but I know.