“I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul;
for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation
and wrapped me in a mantle of justice”…

In this third week of Advent, Isaiah’s focus is joy and rejoicing in the gift to come … Jesus … salvation … and hope.

In my preparation during this season as I reflect upon joy, rejoicing and gifts in my life I am grateful for yesterday and today and hope for tomorrow.

I am grateful for these gifts as they remind me of the presence of God in my life not just at this time but daily.

Gift of Time
To pause, breathe deeply and enjoy the present moment. To be mindful of the beauty in front of me, beside me and within me.  God is Present.

Gift of Friendship
I said yes last week when 2 friends from high school reached out after 30+ years and suggested we get together. I almost missed this wonderful opportunity with many excuses of being busy, fear, and anxiety. But I said yes and enjoyed stories, laughter, and memories long forgotten. The 24 hours was filled with joy.  God was Present.

Gift of Family
A loving husband who supports who I am and provides unending support for my work, my new projects, my school, and my ideas.  Children who are grown but continue to reach back and let me know of their love and blessings in their life.  God is with us.

Gifts of Spirituality and Faith
I said yes this year to co-facilitating a faculty led seminar on Ignatian Spirituality and have had the joy of meeting 18 new and wonderful members of our community.

This past weekend I also said yes to a 24 hour retreat with the same community led by two wonderful experts who had us reflect and pray on the 6 characteristics of Ignatian Spirituality.
God was present.  

In this 3rd week of Advent I am grateful and joyful and know God is with me always.

The "O Antiphons" begin today. These antiphons became the verses for the popular Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." We'll place them here, each day in the week ahead.

O WISDOM,

You came forth from the mouth of the Most High
and reaching from beginning to end,
You ordered all things mightily and sweetly.

Come and teach us the way of prudence.