The Advent Season will have special meaning to me this year. I feel it should be a time of reflection on this past (not normal) year and hope looking forward into the New Year of Christ.

The last Advent started pretty normal and then the coronavirus came in March. It was overwhelming to think we would need to stay home, wear masks, not go to church, or visit friends and family. I kept reminding myself that this would pass and God was in control. I sure wasn’t prepared for the many months it has been going on.

It is very hard to watch friends and family pass away and not be able to attend their funerals or visit others hospitalized. We can call them, but not see them in person or get a hug from them. Also, I am missing the weddings, graduations and family gatherings canceled because of the virus. We have to continue to pray for those families that have lost loved ones. God’s blessings to all of them.

Enough about what we cannot do. This Advent Season, I will think about what I can do. God has blessed me with good health, my family and many friends. My family and friends keep in touch with me and are willing to do whatever it takes to keep me safe — shopping, yard work, cleaning.
Then there is my church family. Oh, how I miss all the church doings: Sunday worships, Young at Heart Luncheons, Bible Study, Cross Lutheran Church Meals, all the church gatherings. But Ascension is constantly figuring ways to keep us connected. I can call people and send cards and messages.

God is in control and he will get us over this pandemic in His time.

As we move into Advent and reflect and pray, let us praise God for taking us this far and prepare our hearts for that wonderful birth of Jesus when He came into the world to save us. We don’t deserve it, but He came to live among us and suffer more than any of us can imagine. Remember, God loves you and me.

Hugs to all of you.

Arlene Davis
Pastoral Assistant, Young at Heart Leader