The Lord is near: This is the message of Advent. No matter where you are, no matter what doubts and worries and fears keep you up at night or fill you with anxiety during the day, the Savior is close at hand. Do not worry. Do not be afraid. You are not alone. The Lord is near.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phlippians 4:4-6
Nestled in the middle of this wonderful, familiar passage of Philippians are these words of unbelievable promise and comfort. They are for the single person dreading facing the holidays alone. They are for low-income workers who don’t have enough to buy presents for their children. They are for the grieving, who can’t imagine a family dinner with an empty chair at the table. They are for anyone who finds their hearts filled with longing. The Lord is near. And He will give you peace.
From an Advent Reflection by Ann Dulske
“THE SEASON OF ADVENT MEANS THERE IS SOMETHING ON THE HORIZON THE LIKES OF WHICH WE HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE…WHAT IS POSSIBLE IS TO NOT SEE IT, TO MISS IT, TO TURN JUST AS IT BRUSHES PAST YOU. SO STAY. SIT. LINGER. TARRY. PONDER. WAIT. BEHOLD. WONDER. THERE WILL BE TIME ENOUGH FOR RUNNING. FOR RUSHING. FOR WORRYING. FOR PUSHING. FOR NOW, STAY. WAIT. SOMETHING IS ON THE HORIZON.”
JAN L. RICHARDSON, NIGHT VISIONS: SEARCHING THE SHADOWS OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS
The Creator said, “Be still, and know that I am God”. So, may each of us start the season by stopping for even the briefest moments. In that pause we can catch the gleam of a falling snowflake, a child’s eye or a twinkling star in the Christmas sky. And let us know that gleam in our hearts as God ever-present nearness. And, behold the only present we truly need.
Pondering in wonder,
Z gardener
Good Morning Garden 
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