Advent 2025

Advent feels different this year…

Maybe it is the constant turmoil and angst in our country…

Maybe it is because those on the margins are more visible…

Maybe since prices of food, housing, medical care and just about everything else has increased many more people are in visible need.

Jesus arrived during a time much like ours when uncertainty, heavy taxes, social inequity and harsh Roman rule gave to the wealthy while taxing the working class.  Life was hard for many.

This past week has highlighted the great need in our community this Advent.  A mom with three children 2, 5, and 14ish slept on the grounds of our church on the coldest night of the year with the temperature in the 40’s and rain.  Staff arrived to find her and her children in the cold and rain. Staff worked diligently to help her and her children. My mind kept imagining Mary and Joseph trying to find a place to stay and ending up in a stable…birthing Jesus in a stable.  This mom reminded me so much of Mary, trying to find a place for her family.  Every time I thought of the 2 year old an image of a curly headed Jesus came to my mind…my heart broke open.

Each year during Advent I spend time inviting Jesus into my heart anew…Jesus being born anew in me.  This year my question for myself and all of us is how will you respond to Jesus when he arrives as a little boy whose family has nothing on a cold rainy night?  What will you do?  Will you walk by and avert your eyes so as not to be overcome with the need, grief and loss?  Or will you stop and see him…really see him, and respond.  

Image: Tent City Nativity by Kelly Latimore