Blog About Readings CotC

Amy is a clay-trained artist who also happens to make jewelry, and is particularly good at worst-case scenarios. Amy is married to Ashley, whose mother obviously had an affinity for Gone with the Wind. They have a 16-month old daughter named Ellery Viola, which means “joyful, little lady.” Ellery enjoys making loud noises in church and has a penchant for other kids sippy cups.

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus by Red Mountain Music

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From the moment I wake up, I am assaulted by my brain, and amass with the day to day duties of caring for our 16 month old, running a home, and a business. Days leave me feeling like a perpetually skipping rock. It’s hard to slow myself down enough for contemplation, much less a serious internal conversation with Jesus. But still He pursues me with such mercy that I am eventually pulled away from the task at hand, and find the rest and refreshment I crave. Advent is often one of those moments. At least, I always want it to be.

I became a Christian at Christmastime. I love that along with Advent, I can remember that year in my life ending far differently than it should have. I can relate to this Psalm 51 heartily because at that moment, I feel like David finally sees the incredible pain he felt (and caused) because of his sin and that he must confess…I want his undulation of confession and praise to be the same in my own heart. That year in particular, I had come to the end of myself, completely broken-spirited, and having been found, not forgotten; restored by His willing spirit and so much mercy. I am still ended by His steadfast love and abundant mercy.

This season is also such a stark reminder of how much bittersweetness there is around me: of new best friends, and remembering a dear friend we have lost until He makes all things new. The joy of the season with a little one in tow, and of just how weary of earth I am. For me, these thoughts must to be coupled with the reminder that He IS coming. I need Christ in Advent to remind me of His goodness and His sight beyond my own for clarity and peace. And hope.

I did also enjoy the juxtaposition of these two verses within today’s reading: between Ps 51:4 “Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight” and Luke 3:8, “Bear fruits in keeping with your repentance and do not say, ‘We have Abraham as our Father…’” It removes all my excuses and natural desire to shift blame or lighten the gravity of my sin or to Whom I should take it as I see it. Just because I’m a child of God doesn’t let me off the hook for straight up confession and repentance…of a continuing, ever-changing conversation that will inevitably produce more enjoyment of Him and the fruit that grows there.