Prepare Ye the Way!

 I love John the Baptist.

First, he's not your average every day prophet.

Second, he goes the distance.

Third, he has a really strange diet that I know sets him apart from me and every human I have ever come in contact with on the planet, so he's not afraid to sacrifice!  And fourth, but never least: He gave up his life proclaiming the good news of Jesus, of salvation, of everlasting love.

He guilted Herod's wife and ended up beheaded....

I thank God that his story was written down, that it was chronicled because John isn't God... nor were the hundreds/thousands of martyrs who've given their life to spread God's word.

He was a man.

The Lord's second cousin...

And he stood strong.

I can tell you honestly I'd be wailing and whining and I wouldn't eat the bugs.

But I am so in admiration of those who can raise the bar high. Lift the cross high. Take the high road.

I think that's what Advent always means to me... to move beyond, take the high road, prepare heart and soul for God and let the rest get done as it can.

We are so very blessed to live in a time with so many fun things abounding, but too much fun makes us bored when life is simply life.

Don't be bored... seek the quiet moments, the silent times, the warmth of solitude when they come because the world has a way of crashing in when you least expect it... and the strength of those prayers, hymns, solitude can be your foundation to greet that world head on.

Bring it, World! :)

So today we wish you a beautiful day of a wonderful holiday season... Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and now New Year's coming right up. 

We wish you the joy of birthday, the beauty of the star and the faith and wisdom of those three wise men, traveling afar to bring gifts to a newborn king. The quiet grace of the presentation at the temple, the wisdom, faith and belief of Anna and Simeon who set the bar high again... 

From the Gospel of Luke: "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." 

Simeon didn't just see a baby, a Savior, a king... he prophesied what Jesus would do and the sword that would pierce Mary's heart. A piercing that wouldn't happen for thirty-three years... What is that if not God?

For if God is with us, who can be against us???

Happy holidays, my friends! Sending blessings of hope, warmth and cheer and if your year has suffered loss, please know that we are praying for you and yours... that your loss matters. It will always matter. 

With love from Seekerville....