Happy New Year, friends!  Advent marks the beginning of the church calendar, so as far as the church is concerned, today marks the beginning of a brand new year.  I’m not sad about it.

Last year, I did an Advent devotional as a thank you to my friends who had gotten me through an absolute trash heap of a year.  It was a way to express my gratitude.  I felt like I didn’t have much to give, but I had words, so that was what I used.

It was a great exercise for me in a lot of ways.  It got me a little bit outside of myself and a little bit into some things that were healthier to think about for a few weeks.  I think maybe two people even said they enjoyed it.  Success!

Most importantly, though, I did something for the people I love.  And that matters to me.  A lot. 

Then I promptly forgot about my little Advent-ure until Job showed up in my head in the middle of October.

I don’t know why my brain works like this.  I don’t think I’ve seen a lot of Job mentioned in Advent.  But bits of Job’s story showed up in the Lectionary, so I guess that’s why Job got himself all up in my grill.  Next thing I know, Job is standing in my head telling me that he’s got something to say about Advent.

I didn’t buy it at first, but he wouldn’t go away.  The patience of Job and all.  That is what he’s known for, right?  And patience does seem to be part of waiting … and Advent is about waiting … so … maybe? 

Also, Job was supposedly a good man who got done wrong, and I think most of us can kind of relate to that a little bit, so … maybe Job?

Also also, my friends are still as amazing as ever, and I still have my words as a way to express gratitude, so … maybe Job as an Advent devotional gift again?

I decided to give it a go. 

I have no idea what will transpire, but I’m going to see what Job has to tell me about waiting and patience and Advent. 

Thank you for waiting and being patient with me.