"We need less people conforming to fit into molds assigned to us and more people owning their unique and creative voice in the world."

Bette Dickinson

December 9th, 2024

📍Denver, Colorado, USA 🇺🇸

Greetings from the wilderness!

I'm back in Colorado after flying in late last night. I had initially planned to spend this first week back in Denver catching up with friends, but I will instead be quarantining for 3-5 days to ensure that I didn't bring any sickness home with me. My mom has been struggling with the chemo, and I need to make sure that I am healthy so that I can give her a big hug for Christmas.

In preparation for my "advent" back from Mexico, I realized I'm not really in the Christmas mood. As I readjust to the chilly Colorado climate, I'm looking ahead to the next 10 days, thinking about Advent and what that means for me this year.

Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus and is traditionally a time to reflect on hope, peace, love, and joy. The word "advent" comes from the Latin word adventus, which means "coming" or "arrival."

This year, Advent feels different for me. The weight of my parent's health struggles, combined with the whirlwind of international travel, has left me feeling emotionally scattered. It's not the Christmas I imagined returning to, and I've found myself struggling to enter into the spirit of the season.

But maybe that's the point of Advent—it meets us in the waiting, the longing, and even the heaviness. It reminds us that Christ comes not just in times of celebration but in the midst of our deepest need.

For now, I'm taking comfort in small, intentional practices to ground myself in gratitude for the present moment. I'm trying to notice little moments of hope and joy—a crisp Colorado morning, the kindness of a friend letting me quarantine in their home, and the quiet peace of being still. This week, I plan to light Advent candles and let the flames remind me of God's enduring presence.

Your continued prayers for my mom, my dad, and our family mean the world to me. This journey has been a struggle so far, but your support has been a tangible reminder of God's love. I hope and pray that, wherever you are and whatever this season looks like for you, you also find moments to reflect on the hope, peace, love, and joy Christ brings.

With love and gratitude,

Jennifer

Reflection Question: What practices help you find peace when life feels overwhelming or uncertain? How can you lean into God's peace this week?

PS- If you're looking for a fantastic resource for your own Advent practice, you will love my friend Bette's latest book, Making Room in Advent. Be sure to check out the interview I did with her in the Fall/Winter '24 issue of Loto Living magazine.

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