By Laura Stephens-Reed

For those of us who are waiting—with excitement or dread—to see what’s next … Advent is for us.

For those of us who wonder just what the heck God is up to … Advent is for us.

For those of us who feel under threat, whether in our work or in our personal lives … Advent is for us.

For those of us who earnestly pray for peace … Advent is for us.

For those of us who have given up controlling the outcomes (or are trying to do so) … Advent is for us.

For those of us who need to repent for the things we have done and said (or not done and said) … Advent is for us.

For those of us who need silence … Advent is for us.

For those of us who need to prophesy with power, or who have ears that are eager for such words … Advent is for us.

For those of us who still dare to hope and those who don’t know if they can … Advent is for us.

For those of us who are lonely … Advent is for us.

For those of us moving forward in love as best we can … Advent is for us.

For those of us who are celebrating … Advent is for us.

For those of us whose lives have not turned out the way we planned … Advent is for us.

For those of us who need a miracle … Advent is for us.

Advent is for us – pastors and people.

Advent is for us – old women and baby boy

Advent is for us – shepherds and kings.

Advent is for us – the rejoicing and the grieving.

Advent is for us – the believers and the skeptics.

Advent is for us because God is for us. Advent is for us because Christ is coming among us.

Blessings to you, your faith communities, and your loved ones during this holy season.