The Heart of the Season

I was commenting to a friend the other day that 2025 has been both the slowest and fastest year of my life. There are moments I think, "How is it already December?" - and there are moments I think, "Is it only December?" As I reflect back on the last twelve months, there have been some big highs and some low lows. I think it's far to say I believe I share these feelings with many of you.

The season of Advent always reminds me of pregnancy - not just because of the nativity story, but because it feels like a heavy, waiting time - the hope of a promise made but not quite here yet. This is a season with a long to-do list. It's easy to miss the heart of the season.

Stop for a moment. Breathe deeply.

What are your fondest memories of this season?

What are you hoping for this year to feel?

Who are you missing this year?

Who is new in your circle?

What feels complicated?

What fills your heart with gratitude?

What is the heart of this season for you?

In the Gospel of Luke we have the one story of Jesus as a child. He is left behind accidentally at the Temple [Luke 2:41-52] and it takes several days to realize he is missing and then to return to him. Once he is found safe, Mary admonishes him. "Why have you treated us this way?," she asks, citing the anxiety of his parents. Jesus responds, "Why were you searching for me?" He assumes they would have known where he was. Luke 2:51 ends the story by saying, "Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

I often think of this passage, where Mary treasures these things in her heart. If we are patiently present in this season - in our lives - we will find such treasures. Stories and memories that there are no photos to capture - just nuggets in our hearts that we carry with us.

In these days before Christmas, may you find the treasures of your heart. May you breathe deep, sleep late, cuddle closely, share generously, care deeply, serve meaningfully, and love passionately.

This is the heart of the season - where we examine the treasures of our heart with gratitude and laughter - and that we share with abundance hope for an often difficult, always beautiful world.