Today we begin the season of Advent. One of my favorite worship elements during this season is the children processing down the aisle at the beginning of each service with the various pieces to build our nativity scene. Each week a new element is added and gradually, cow by cow and sheep by sheep, the scene is set.
I love that we involve our children in this way and that they get the opportunity to lead worship in such a visible manner. Some of the kids stride confidently down to the front very sure of what they are doing. Others seem a little more hesitant and uncertain of their task. Some relish the opportunity to have the congregation’s attention focused solely on them. Others are only comfortable if they have a friend or older sibling making the walk with them. Some make it down to the front just fine, but then seem a little confused about what to do once they get there. And still others walk a slow and steady pace with a look of wide-eyed wonder as they take the moment in.
However they make it down there, it’s beautiful. There is no one right way for them to experience that moment, and I think maybe that’s a good thing for all of us to consider as we begin our Advent journey. There is no one right way to experience Advent. Some of us enter into this season full of expectation and excitement. Others of us come to this time of year with trepidation. Some of of us look forward to celebrations with friends and family. Others of us are keenly aware of the challenging and maybe painful interactions that lay ahead. Some of us feel put together and focused. Others of us may feel like we are lost and wandering.
However you are entering this season of Advent, know that you are not taking this journey alone. You are part of a community of faith that will love and support you no matter what this season holds for you. My prayer is that you will lean into that reality this Advent as together we look to experience the hope, peace, joy and love that only God can provide.
Happy Advent, Wilshire.