Advent Reflection 2022

By Debby Giusti

Two thousand years ago, the world awaited the coming of the Messiah. As scripture tells us, when Christ was born a star marked the spot over Bethlehem, shepherds rejoiced and Magi payed homage to the King of Kings. All that had been foretold was brought to fulfillment in Christ Jesus, yet many folks failed to recognize him as their Savior and Lord. They expected a worldly king and powerful ruler instead of a tiny infant lying in a manger.

Today, we—like the people of old—anticipate the coming of the Christ Child. Our period of waiting is called Advent and starts on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas. During this time of expectation, we prepare, once again, to welcome Jesus into our hearts and homes.

The Holy Night, Antonio de Correggio (1489-1534), Dresden,
Germany. [PD-US]

Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year, and in spite of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the days leading to Christmas are a perfect time for reflection. The shopping and decorating, the cards and gift wrapping can wait. Let’s take a few moments to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going as writers.

Throughout December, the weather where I live fluctuated greatly and the changing temperatures frequently brought fog that clouded the view from my window. Peering outside, I was reminded of our human inability to see beyond the present. We can plan for and anticipate the future, but as finite creatures, we have a clouded view of where we’re going and sometimes even question where we have been.

Adoration of the Shepherds, Matthias Stomer, c1680, Palazzo Madame, Turin. [PD-US]

Without clear vision, we could miss the true meaning of the twists and turns of our lives and all that has brought us to this moment in time. We look too often at that which has not come to fulfillment instead of the positive steps we have taken forward. Like the Jews of old, we misinterpret signs that point to that which is to come. Often, this brings discouragement and despondency and may cause us to give up dreams that are closer than we think to realization.

Perhaps we have set our sights on a certain achievement or goal. It might be a request for a submission or a book contact. It could involve catching the attention of an agent or editor or making a best sellers’ list. It might be to finish a manuscript or write a certain number of pages within the past year. If we haven’t achieved our goal, we may wonder if we are wasting our time and energy on a dream that will never come to fruition.

We’ve said it often here in Seekerville. The writing journey requires hard work and determination. We have to keep moving forward in spite of struggles and rejection. Writing detours happen, but we can’t give up. A wrong turn is not always a mistake, especially if it leads us along a fresh path that ends in a new destination we never would have imagined if we had stayed on the chartered course that seemed so appealing.

Adoration of the Magi, Bartolome Esteban Murillo, 1655-1600, Toledo
Museum of Art. [PD-US]

Instead of looking at what we haven’t achieved, let’s find the positive growth—even the small steps forward—we may have previously overlooked. Any forward progression means we’re moving in the right direction.    

As we gather around the manger this Christmas to welcome the Christ Child, let’s give thanks for the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us and especially for the many ways he had led us through the fog to a new realization of his love and mercy.

A favorite Christmas Eve appetizer:

Place a block of Philadelphia Cream Cheese on an oblong serving dish.

Cover with fresh crabmeat. A can of crab meat (lump is the best) can be substituted. Drain well before arranging the crab over the cream cheese.

Top with Cocktail sauce: Mix a large spoonful of horseradish (or more) into a cup of ketchup, add salt, mix and spread over crab-covered cream cheese.

Serve with Triscuits or other favorite crackers. Enjoy!

Dear Friends, I’ve been praying for you throughout Advent, asking the Lord to shower you with abundant blessings now and in the New Year!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Debby Giusti

ww.DebbyGiusti.com

THE PERFECT STOCKING STUFFER!

IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS

By Debby Giusti

An assassin’s loose in Amish country…
and she’s not the only target.

When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson’s passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt’s offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas—until evidence reveals the gunman’s plan is tied to Lily’s past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy…and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.

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