Quiet

I write this early on a quiet Sunday morning.  Few cars, few people were out and about when I headed to the church, few are still to be see.  I know this will change, though.  As the day unfolds, people will head to worship, to work, to shop, to play, to do a thousand and one different things.  Empty roads will fill with cars and trucks and buses.  Quiet will give way to bustle.

Advent in the 21st century can seem this way, too.  All too soon we'll be caught up in preparations for Christmas, year-end project deadlines, parties and potlucks, travel to places near and far.  But for now, at the beginning of this month, at the start of this liturgical season, even knowing what's ahead, we can take a moment to pause, to enjoy the stillness, to be alert for what God is about to unfold around us, for how God is going to envelop us.

Advent is hear.  Be alert.  Be present.  Be quiet.  Be blessed.

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