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Sunday mornings are beautiful, mostly. Sometimes they are chaotic; getting six people out the door simultaneously, in a timely manner, with shoes and coats on is not for the faint of heart!  Sometimes they go smoothly and sometimes we ask if it’s worth it! But when I walk in the door to the Church I KNOW that it is. Every time.

Sometimes I cry during communion. Perhaps it’s relief that we made it almost on time, or I feel bad I fussed at someone for their hair not being done or forgetting their coat. Often it's because I am reminded that life is not as I hoped it would be and it is not always as it should be; but here I am reminded that in Him, I am enough. But on most Sundays it’s because I just feel such a joyful relief that we’re here, with our people, worshipping this crazy God that refuses to give up on a sinner like me, like my kids and like my husband. Church is a safe place for me. It’s a place where people know me, people see me for me and where they accept me in-spite of my mess; it’s a place to be honest, transparent and vulnerable, to be welcomed and loved. More than that, it’s a place to intentionally meet with my Savior face to face during communion.

I need that Sunday morning reminder. Do you?

Sunday morning at church is the one time and place where I intentionally let myself slow down and let my guard down. When I walk in the doors, I take off the invisible armor I carry about the world; consciously or not, so that I can prepare to worship, to reconcile with my Savior, and fellowship with His people. I love Sunday mornings and try to live a Sunday morning lifestyle as many days of the week as I can. In a world of hurry, selfishness and want, it can be a struggle for anyone. And I am no different that any run-of-the-mill sinner.    

In a culture where we wait for nothing, waiting for a Savior seems almost counter-cultural in and of itself. In a world that too often seems hopeless, waiting on a Savior brings deep comfort; that too many don’t have.

This is the reason I am so passionate about the season of Advent. For me, Advent is literally a SEASON of slowing down, a SEASON of Sunday mornings, a SEASON of intentionally letting God in, a SEASON of hope, preparation, joy and love, a SEASON of waiting for our Savior to come. How could I miss this! In a culture where we wait for nothing, waiting for a Savior seems almost counter-cultural in and of itself. In a world that too often seems hopeless, waiting on a Savior brings deep comfort; that too many don’t have.

Maybe the name “Advent” seems liturgical or antiquated for you. For me, for my family, it is a season where we intentionally watch, wait, listen and celebrate the coming of our Savior. We celebrate the small moments spent reading scripture, praying for friends and family, lighting candles and singing Christmas songs, we read Advent-related books and fun kids-Christmas books. For us, is very much about spending time intentionally with Jesus and with one another.

We work hard to slow down and seek Him. We intentionally choose not to attend every Christmas or “Holiday” event so that we have time for these traditions. It’s a reminder that I need, not just during this season but throughout the year. It’s a reminder I am grateful for and that I celebrate.

Each may do “Advent” in their own way, but please friends, don’t miss this invitation to seek Him. Find one way to seek Him, prepare for and love Him anew. . . it is a tradition you won’t regret adding to this season.