Grace for the Journey: Cue the Angels

It’s Advent, so we know they’re coming.
Angel visits, angels in dreams, angel announcements.
This artwork by Kelly Rae Roberts is one of my favorites.
That notch in the angel’s wing let’s you know… she’s been through some things.
Her eyes, are wide open, yet to me, there’s a heaviness to them.
I interpret their look as the weight of knowing too well what life can do.

I share her now, because we’ve all been through some things.
Challenge and change,
loss and letting go,
plowing through and moving forward.

We’ve all born the weight in some form or fashion.
And like that angel wing, our hearts and spirits may be a little worse for the wear.
Still, no matter the journey, there’s always good news to be shared.

And like all Advent angels, this one comes with her own words of hope.
Encouragement really. 
The encouragement to move past,
to make the most, to create joy in the moments at hand.

Our true Advent angels remind us to not be afraid [Luke 1:13, 30]
that nothing will be impossible with God [Luke 1:37],
that God is with us [Matthew 1:23], and that God will get us through what God calls us to do [Matthew 2:13].

All good reasons to rejoice and give thanks,
despite the ragged notched out edges of our lives.

My prayer for all of us as we travel this journey of Advent is that with each step,
we may fully know God’s presence and fully know God’s peace,
and maybe, just maybe, even find some time to dance in the moonlight.

Always thankful for you,
Dena