Advent is the beginning of the Church calendar, but it comes at the end of our calendar established by the Romans. Advent this year has been full for me, but not with typical church things. It has, however, been full of the Lord Of All Things. 
The second Sunday in Advent found me returning from Washington, DC after several days of worship and prayer. This time was focused primarily on our nation, but it also affects the world. At the end of 2018 we are praying for new beginnings for all.
As Advent began this year one of my dear friends was ordained to be a deacon in the Anglican Church. Romans 11:29 tells us “the gifts and the callings are irrevocable.” She turns a page in her life to begin this new phase by having her decades of faithful service to our Lord formally recognized.
Just before Advent I had another beginning. The trip to Armenia feels like the end of a season as well as a beginning. I have felt almost like I have been in a cocoon for a few years. It is time for all of us to let go of the old to lay hold of the new. A new phase is beginning.
The new takes into account all our years of life experience, training and growth. I am coming out of my cocoon to walk in freedom as a new creature, just like Paul said: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation, the old has passed away, behold the new has come. 2 Cor. 5:17
What about you? Have you noticed changes of direction? New things beginning in or around you? Take a moment to as Abba about anything you have noticed, then ask about its significance. I would love to hear from you!
