It’s starting tomorrow – the yearly journey of Advent. Daily readings, images, reflections, prayers, and poems mark the way to the incarnation: God With Us. We’ll never understand the mystery of why God chose to be with us in Jesus, son of Mary. But if we put in a little time and effort, we might just catch a glimpse – not because we become one with the mind of God, but because we might see more fully the Us in God With Us.

You and I weren’t given life to fulfill a particular role, earn a living, give birth or raise others – at least not in a definitive way. All of those aspects can challenge us and give us a sense of accomplishment (or failure), but none are big enough to contain the mystery that we ourselves are.

We are here because we are beloved children of the one who made and continues to make all things.

We are here because no one else can bring what we bring to life in this time and place.

Mostly, we are here because we are a delight to God (even when we aren’t being particularly delightful or delighted).

This year, I invite you to try something new. At the beginning of each day, before life’s obligations and business begin, remember who you are. If it helps, whisper this truth:

I am (insert name here), in whom God delights.

Welcome to Advent.