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There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars…

November 28, 2021

Jeremiah 33:14-16 | 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 | Luke 21:25-36 | Psalm 25:1-9

It is the first Sunday in Advent. How are you feeling? This has been another year of constant change and anxiety about COVID-19 which seemingly never ends. Masks up and eyes down, we are all so tired from receiving constant ‘signs’ from news alerts about health protocols. Yet today as we begin this season of waiting and watching, our readings give us a powerful message…ANTICIPATE! We are invited to anticipate the coming of the kingdom of God, to see the signs of God’s presence all around us and, yes, even within us.

Where have you seen signs of God today? Was it in the first light of dawn or the stars filling the heavens? Was it in a smile from the server as you went through the local coffee drive-thru? For me it came in the form of a tiny lemon tree, which I moved into the house from the deck after a summer in the sun. Quite unexpectedly small white buds have appeared, and fragrant blossoms are opening even as the days outside grow shorter and colder. I am grateful that it sits in my sunny kitchen next to my desk aka the kitchen table. Had it been elsewhere, I might have missed seeing them altogether because I was not expecting to see blooms out of season. I am filled with joy!

God provides us with signs and sends messages to us all the time that fulfill God’s promise of love. As we await the celebration of the coming of God’s greatest gift to us, may we anticipate that God will send us signs in unusual places or through unexpected people. Be watchful, be aware and ANTICIPATE!

Betsy Fornal