…the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Advent is always a season of reflection for me. It is a time to take account of the year and all its good and bad. Last year, it was much easier to sit and reflect, feel gratitude for good health, and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Although the reason behind the slow pace of 2020 holidays was difficult in so many ways, it did show me the importance of checking in and making time to do so.
I have a big, Italian family and we typically have many events leading up to Christmas. It is busy, chaotic, and mostly fun. While I missed the gathering of extended family, I did find comfort in the calm and quiet. I was much more intentional with my focus and time spent with my family. I was able to reflect on how Jesus came into this world with a night sky of stars and in a simple manger… simple and true. The song, O Little Town of Bethlehem, reminds me of just that. The wonderful opening lyric, how still we see thee lie, reminds me of the peace of that moment – the humble birth of Jesus and the everlasting light of Christ.
I think it’s all too easy to forget the lessons we learned from 2020, a year unlike any other, about slowing down and focusing on what truly matters. While I would not wish for a worldwide pandemic ever again, hopefully I will hold on to the importance of caring for those in need and stay as acutely aware of how precious life is.
I want to take this Advent Season to remember those lessons learned and continue to live them out in my daily life. My hope is even if all the normal activities ensue, I will intentionally take the time to slow down, reflect on the fears that held me back, and renew my hopes and dreams for the new year.
Sarah Cohea, Edmond Campus Director of Youth Ministry
