i woke up this morning energized –
that doesn’t happen often in January.
not sure why today was different-
it’s winter’s coldest day so far
and though it’s still dark and easier to stay in bed,
the sun will be up soon
and i’m anxious to capture some scarce rays of rising light
*
for the first time i’ve really payed attention to
how the liturgical seasons partner with the seasons of the earth.
advent comes when days are shortest, nights long
nature is dormant
and darkness pulls us inward.
we search the darkness within and
prepare ourselves for the coming of Light –
waiting with a knowing hope
*
then much-anticipated Christmas comes
with it’s celebration of wonder
all still and quiet
amidst noise and clutter
we celebrate the coming of the heavenly Light
given when earth is darkest
*
then as quickly as it comes, it’s gone
with the new year right on it’s heals –
holding open a door to all things new.
with renewed intentions, routine returns
and we slip into rituals of the day
of work and of school
of snow, cold, and shovels
and of slowly ebbing darkness
*
this is when epiphany comes
a much needed enlightening
a reminder of when the promised Savior was revealed to
wise men who persisted to seek him.
those who followed the light of a star
found the true Light
*
epiphany
the call to rise and shine
to awaken and see God’s glory
seek his grace
it’s everywhere –
in daily rituals
in simple things
even in dark moments
*
not only to wake up and see,
but to shine and reflect it with joy and gratitude
*
‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.’
Isaiah 60:1
*
time for some honest reflection:
am i awake to every moment filled with his grace?
am i reflecting his glory with an attitude of thankfulness?
how will i shine today?
how will you?
let’s respond to Isaiah’s exciting call to action together!
*
blessings,
Tracy
i dwell in possibilities 