Devotion

December arrives. The final month of the year. The month of Christmas, of celebration, of marking the Incarnation. The month is pregnant with expectation. After thirty days of gratitude in November, December invites a different energy: anticipation, celebration, preparation for newness. John's vision in Revelation speaks of seeing something new—a holy city coming down, beauty prepared for union. This is the vision December offers. December invites you to imagine newness. Newness in your spiritual life as you draw closer to God through Christmas. Newness in your relationships as you gather and celebrate together. Newness in yourself as the year closes and transforms you, preparing you for what comes next. Expect the new. Expect that God continues to work, continues to transform, continues to show up in your life. Expect that the final month of the year will bring moments of grace, beauty, and connection. Expect that you will be changed by what you experience. Expect that Christmas, however you celebrate it, is an invitation to encounter God freshly. Expect, also, that some of what you expect will not happen as you imagine. Expect that you will need to release control and trust. Expect that in releasing control, you will find grace. This is December's invitation: Enter with expectation held lightly. Anticipate with openness. Celebrate with gratitude. Be ready to be surprised by grace.