While much of the country has been grounded by frigid temperatures and blustery conditions, I’ve been grounded from total knee replacement surgery on Dec. 5th. The song playing in my head has been modified to… “let it slow, let it slow, let slow.”
During this hustle time of year, my surgery has forced me to S-L-O-W D-O-W-N. Scheduled for more than six months, but just one week after my mother’s memorial service, God’s curious timing has not been lost on me. This abrupt interruption has demanded quiet reflection. I’ve been thinking about my history, my legacy, my priorities and my future.
Sacred Opportunity
It’s as if life has gifted me with the sacred opportunity to ask honest questions with the time to wait in the solitude for His voice. What’s next Lord? What do you want me to pay attention to, right here and now?
Advent
And then it hit me, this isn’t just for me but rather the purpose of Advent for every one of us. Advent marks a season of waiting as we anticipate the longest and darkest days of the year.
While icing my knee, instead of merry making, I’ve been digging through pictures and files and writings my mother had saved. Among the treasures was a typed bulletin for a family advent service from 1969, complete with a call to worship, a litany and lots of misspellings. It’s formality made me giggle. I never recall referring to my Daddy as “Father.” And even though the title says “prepared by Debbie and Doug Roeshot, (9 and 10 years), I smirk knowing the bribing that must have accompanied it.
A Holy Paradox!
I have come to love advent with all the longing and the anticipation, maybe as much or more than Christmas Day itself. As a literal-minded nine-year old I remember thinking it was strange to have to wait for what was already ours. Advent is the time on the church calendar to prepare for the coming of the Lord. But in reality, He’s already with us. Today, that’s my favorite part of all…. knowing that our deepest desires — everything that we’ve all been waiting for — is already something we possess. What a beautiful and holy paradox!
Zephaniah 3:17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Take a Seat
Advent is that sacred pause, … a holy waiting, a space where our melancholy reflection and sadness is invited to take a seat. And then, while lingering in His Presence, He fills us with blissful hope. While it’s still dark, we see Him coming back for us — just like He promised.
By the time you read this, Advent will be almost over. May the sacred purpose of the season carry you with an unburdened expectancy into 2023. And if you’ve hustled through Advent, just know it’s never too late to prepare Him room. For…
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!
Merry Christmas, Debbie Hucke
P.S. I look forward to resuming my blog with more consistency in the New Year. Thank you for your patient support.
So sorry to hear about your surgery but incredibly happy to read this sweet message of hope during advent and now practically Christmas! You have been in my prayers Debbie. Thank you again for Your words of wisdom.
Thank you Terri, I always appreciate prayers. May you sense the Lord’s nearness this Christmas! Debbie
Thank you for sharing this special Advent memory. We did an Advent study in my Wednesday Bible study. It was nice to share insights into this season.
Happy Christmas Tide to you and yours.
Come, Oh Come Emmanuel!
Happy Christmas tide to you too. You sound so British. ????
Thank you Debbie. I have missed your blogs . You’ve had a very full plate indeed. Sabbatical, your mother’s passing, and a knee replacement all within a few months. But then Advent comes, to remind us, as you said, of who has already come!
It astounds me that God came in Jesus to this dark world. That kind of love is so beyond my understanding that I just have to trust the One who put it into action. His birth, the cross, his resurrection. AND his presence with us. Now I anticipate him coming again. And I’ve been asking “Lord show me how to best use whatever time you give me on this earth.” I feel a great urgency not to waste a minute of it. I feel urged to share the good news about Jesus; to shine his light. This is a new Advent time for me. Thanks for causing me to reflect on all of this.
Merry Christmas!!
Thank you Anne. I’ve missed writing them, but wow did I feel rusty. I even had to re-figure the technology. Argh. You inspire me Anne. Love your fresh advent focus.
Thank you, Debbie, God’s timing is always perfect, As your knee is healing you have time to reflect, rest and enjoy these quiet times. God knew you needed this time. In our busy lives there is no good time to take care of ourselves and we fight having to slow down to do so.
But what a blessing to have time to spend with your Mom through the memories of Advent and the waiting of the coming of our Lord.
Bless you and your family,
Get well and welcome home, we missed you.
Thank you Julia. It has been quite special to have time to soak in the family history. God uses all of it. We have felt welcomed!
Merry Christmas and praying for your healing. Enjoy this slow down time while you can because life’s busyness will be back before you know it.
That’s the truth! Thanks for your prayers.
Finding those “gems” of years ago be it Christmas or other are just the best gifts of all! Recently, A cousin sent me a poem she found that our grandfather (who was a minister) wrote on a very old typewriter about the Christmas Tree. I have framed it and everytime I see it, I am reminded of some very wonderful memories. So glad you had the “time” during your recovery to come across these “gems”. Thank you so much for sharing and including us in your memories. Praying for a great recovery!!
Thank you Karen. Yes such gems help to shape us. And I think my “state” caused me to see more of it’s value.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Terry has had both knees replaced so we know the process of recovery. The exercises after the surgery are so important although not always pleasant to achieve a good outcome.
Wishing you and the whole family a wonderful Christmas!
The Frans Family ❤️
Thank you Frans Family. We miss you all. I’m a motivated patient. I’ll be back! I hope you all enjoy a wonderful holiday as well!
So good to hear from you Debbie and ponder on your message! I think we all have some feeling of darkness and the feeling the business of the season is taking away all the meaning. I have to concentrate on slowing down and focusing on the joy of the season.
Hope you are healing well and enjoying your time of relaxing!
Merry Christmas,
Betsy
Yes Betsy! We do-ers are extra challenged. So thankful to have Becca home who enjoys cooking and holidaying as much as I do.
Your reflection, “But in reality, He’s already with us. Today, that’s my favorite part of all…. knowing that our deepest desires — everything that we’ve all been waiting for — is already something we possess. What a beautiful and holy paradox!” really resonates with me. May you experience a wonderful Christmas and complete healing.
Thanks Ruthie. No more waiting… Emmanuel. He is with us. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
You have certainly had a lot on your plate lately. So happy to read your Christmas blog. We all just need to slow down and remember the reason for the season. Hope your recovery goes well.
Thank you Emmy. Slow and steady.
Welcome home! Thank you for reminding us to reflect as we wait and SLOW down! I pray your knee replacement is a complete success without any glitches and that this time of resting in our Father’s arms draws you ever closer in your intimate relationship with Him. Oh how He loves YOU!!! May you experience and share the power of His Love at Physical Therapy!! I’m finishing up some Physical Therapy and I’ve found Jesus there healing me and I’ve shared Jesus with many who’ve provided me care. God bless you BIG!!
You are such and encouragement Berta. I accept… God to bless me Big. 🙂 Right back to you dear Berta! Here’s to an able bodied 2023.
I receive it!! God’s blessing us both BIG!! Here we come 2023!!!