What does the season of Advent mean to you? Does it mean going about the hustle and bustle of buying presents and making sure they are wrapped perfectly, baking cookies and making sure there is enough for your child’s class, decorating the Christmas tree, or is it parties to attend? For me it is about slowing down and waiting for this precious little human soul to come into this world and touch my soul.
Waiting, slowing down, taking a breather, to reflect on Emmanuel, God-with-us. When we wait for something our minds are filled with anticipation, wonder. I suspect that Mary and Joseph had anticipation, anticipation of what this precious little God soul Emmanuel, God-with-us, will look like and grow up to be.
Slowing down and waiting is not easy especially during the Advent season but if we take the time to sit, breath in and reflect on Emmanuel, God-with-us, as author and Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister writes,“Having to wait for something is what enables us to prepare ourselves for it, to be worthy of it.”
So will you answer the call of your soul to slow down this Advent; so that you can wait and prepare by taking just five minutes to sit, close your eyes, breath in and out with open arms to Emmanuel, God-with-us; and listen for what God has in store for you?
Reflection by Melissa Crouch
Let’s slow down, take deep breath, close our eyes and prepare for joy. As hard as this seems in the Christmas season, it is the best path to the holy one and the peace that was our great gift on the first Christmas. Just as little ones must calm themselves and go to sleep on Christmas Eve, we also should make ourselves rest and prepare ourselves spiritually for the great coming.
As we do this the darkness in our lives is overcome. We are filled with light and the joy of anticipation that prepares us to “make straight the way” for the return of the Lord
Breathing joy,
Z gardener
Good Morning Garden 
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