The Gift of Advent by Karma Pratt

This Christmas season I've been contemplating the gift of Advent. The gift of waiting. We wait for the coming of Christ, with a breathless anticipation that precedes His coming. We find expectant hope and joy in our hearts, and in the faces of our children. We experience peace and love so extravagant they defy description. We are offered grace, freely given, so that we may have life, and life to the full. 

I've been contemplating what it means to truly experience Advent. Not the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but the moments of quiet reflection interspersed with raucous laughter and excited squeals from two four year old's who can hardly contain themselves as the countdown to Christmas continues. 

"Advent is a four-Sunday wait for the coming of Jesus. It's two-fold: we're mirroring the ancient wait for the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem but we're also waiting with all of creation for the second coming of Jesus, the arrival that will wipe every tear from every eye and heal every brokenness and redeem all things."*   

This waiting is truly an incredible gift. It causes something to stir in us, something that perhaps can be forgotten or pushed aside in the busyness of every day life. Advent requires us to pause and reflect on the true gift of life we have been given. 

I contemplate the coming of Christ and give thanks every time I light the candle on our window sill, breathlessly pouring prayer into and over the light. This small thanksgiving offering - lighting a candle - becomes a symbol of the very image of Jesus, the Light of the World. The gift recipient and the gift giver become one in Christ. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,

the new creation has come:

The old is gone, the new is here!

2Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

I contemplate the coming of Christ as the tree is decorated. It's such a joyous occasion, one can't help but smile through the untangling of lights, and the careful application of ornaments. There is tangible anticipation in the voice of a small boy repeating, "Pease! Pease! Pease! Christmas Star?" so that no one forgets that he, himself, would like to install that shiny star on the top of the tree, please, please, please. That star, representative of the one that shone bright enough to guide angels and wise men to the manger, is a gift; a holy reminder of God's redemptive gift given to the entire world.

I contemplate the coming of Christ as I hear small girl exclaiming, "I wish Christmas was every day!" There's so much hope in those words, so much excitement, and so much potential for truth. What would life be like, I wonder, if we continued to live as though Christ was coming everyday, even after the tree has been taken down, and the decorations put away? Sometimes we forget, but this is the true gift: the Risen King has come, and he lives in us. He defeated death, so that we may live. As we walk out our lives as Christ followers, disciples, believers, we are drawn ever inward to the mystery and grace that is Christ Jesus. 

What a gift that we can come together, and come to Christ in this way. 

My prayer is that each of us would take the time to still ourselves in the midst of Advent, and more so, in the midst of busyness, so that we may truly experience what it means to wait on the King.

May you be blessed this Christmas season,

Karma

*Sarah Bessey, Field Notes: A Monthly E-Newsletter (see http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a792d55e162ffe4c6fd3682e5&id=145dc5fc24&e=947516369f)

The Writer's Apprenticeship by Karma Pratt

Our prompt: Share discoveries and turning points of your writing apprenticeship (past or present).

I wasn’t sure I had much wisdom to contribute on this topic. In many ways, I feel that my writing apprenticeship has just begun. There’s so much learning to still be done!

From a technical perspective, learning the mechanics of writing has been a simple side effect of loving to read. From childhood, I have had a deep love of words and books. They have been my constant companions. 

Words have taken me on journeys to new lands, uncharted territories unbound by the desire of imagination to thrive in the wilds. In my mind, words have shaped images into stories; stories with twists and turns, moving me from dreams to reality and back again. I so love the power of each carefully selected word, cozying up to its partners on either side, creating a whirlwind of emotion, provoking thoughts. Words are the catalyst for new creation, for the stirrings of possibility awakening to new life.

My love of words gave birth to a desire to communicate clearly and effectively in written and verbal communication. I became a “word geek”, studying English language and literature, and throwing in a side of Spanish for fun, because words are magical in any language. 

Eventually, I moved on and studied Professional Communications, becoming a Master of Art in the process. That still gives me tingles. Despite what the title might indicate, I do feel as though I am at the beginning stages of my apprenticeship.

The winding path of this writer’s apprentice has been studded with dreams.  I remember a vivid dream from many years ago, when Jesus told me I needed to become an apprentice, and showed me the first steps to creating clarity and getting guidance on that path. Well, in my dream he actually said “disciple”, but my small world was not ready for what that meant, so I kept asking him to repeat himself, until finally I got the clear word, “Apprentice! You need to become an apprentice!” As a girl who grew up less in the church and more in the oil and gas industry, the word “apprentice” made more sense to me than “disciple”. I simply didn’t know enough to understand the significance of discipleship (yet).

Fast forward many years, two children, and one home church later: I feel as though I’m finally stepping fully into the apprenticeship I have been called to. I realize this love of words and books is the expression of a gifting God has graciously instilled in me. My job is to steward that gift, grow in it, and allow my life to take shape around the love and light of Christ.

I read a devotional recently that stated, “No matter your circumstances… He is your purpose.” What a beautiful reminder! He is my purpose in all circumstances. Every word I write, think, or speak must be guided by my desire to grow in Christ. As a disciple of Jesus, I am committed to using the gifts he’s given me to move through this world sharing His love in the ways that make the most sense for me. I have a feeling this is the type of apprenticeship that never truly ends. I’m looking forward to the journey, however.

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.  Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. 

Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message Bible)

Karma Pratt is a faith-driven mom of twins, a communicator, a writer, and an encourager from way back. Say hello at redraincoatcreations.com or connect on Twitter, Facebook, & LinkedIn