The last Sunday of Advent we light the candle of Love. During so many decades of waiting, for the ancient people, it seemed they were completely forgotten. As it seemed the darkness became more intense, and their patience shorter, and even their fears became greater-they were given the gift of love. Just like childbirth that can hold the depth of pain and breadth of amazing joy-so it is true of love.

Many of you know I said goodbye to my beloved golden retriever Maggie this summer as she succumbed to the cancer in her body. Over the time of grief, I've let myself feel fully into the loss of this furry companion, who greeted me every morning with a wiggle and sparkle in her eye. I truly felt like I could face anything in this world as I had such a friend to come home to and no matter what I was facing all was well. She was a huge part of my family.

Several months ago I was invited to consider a new puppy from a breeder in Elizabeth. I wrestled at the time as my heart had a full no I am not ready. As the weeks passed and as I have been watching videos of the litter, I realize my heart has a full yes now to receiving a new pup into my heart and home. I am clear she will never replace Maggie- in fact I would anticipate I will feel more grief even as I experience joy of this new pup. And yet that to me is the power of love, it can hold all of my emotional experiences.

In the midst of their grief and sorrow, the people of Israel were given a profound gift in that love was born. We were given that same gift. Love expanded and made room for it all, for all of our feelings and experiences. Love is born.

I share my picture of love--both a picture of my beloved Maggie and and the litter that holds my new pup!! Room enough for all of the experiences. #seasonoflove.


   

#MontviewAdvent  #SeasonOfLove #MontviewChurch

We are hoping that you will join us in using your smart phone or tablet to reflect on this Advent season. After reading this email, we'd love for people to snap a picture that expresses the candle themes of Advent; Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Then post the photo to your Instagram and also to Montview's Facebook page with the hashtag #MontviewAdvent. This is an opportunity to slow down and reflect on our surroundings and to share our photos with each other. The picture above is Dee's reflection on the Candle of Love. You can follow Montview on social media at www.instagram.com/montviewchurch and www.facebook.com/montviewchurch.