Born Anew

In my early years, we counted the days to Christmas with Advent calendars that had tiny paper doors revealing simple pictures—candles, snowmen, mittens. Later came boxes with chocolates or trinkets. This year, I found one online with different whiskey blends for each day — Not exactly the spirit I want to lean into as Christmas approaches. Still, each of these calendars creates a daily structure for practicing a moment of presence.

What if we approach Advent with the same intention: To open, day by day, a deeper awareness of the divine presence within us? Advent invites us to slow down, notice the sacred in the ordinary, and allow the Christ-light to be born in us anew. As we do, we quietly shine in ways that uplift our spirits, and the spirits of all whom our presence touches.