Friday, December 11, 2020 … An Advent of Peace

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for”. — Jeremiah 29:11

This is my family in 2018, yes, my entire immediate family. Could have taken the exact same picture in 2019. But this Christmas we have grown, in July my first Grandchild was born, Isabella. Then last week my son got engaged to a beautiful woman with an equally beautiful daughter, Jasmine and Olivia. So, I have gained a daughter-in-law and two granddaughters.

If you had told the me in the picture (center back row) that within the next two years all of this love would be added to our small little family I wouldn’t have believed you. But that has been my journey with God. Things seem to be falling apart, the falling apart where all you can do is fall to your knees to pray, sometimes the only prayer you can get out is “please …”. Then when things look to be the bleakest a path out opens, or really, a step opens up. When I look back at these times, I can see God’s hand at work, God has not abandoned me and with grandchildren, well that is the future I had hoped for. My prayers today are also simple, ‘thank you, God, thank you.”

Prayer for Advent Peace (Joyce Rupp, O.S.M., from A Heart Prayer): O God, we seek you with all our heart. The longing for you is planted deep within our hearts. Hear our cry for you. Help us to welcome you in all of life. Amen.

Trish C., Morgan Hill United Methodist Church