Day 19 -- Renew on This Nineteenth Day of Advent

Renew "makes fresh" and "strengthens." Ruth 4:15 in the Old Testament says that the Lord will renew your life and sustain you in your old age." God does this for me in both big events and also little moments like this morning. I looked out of my kitchen window toward the children's fort. The sun hitting the frost on the roof made it look as though the fort had a fireplace. I found it charming and refreshing. It was a reminder to me to look around, to look with the eyes of a child, full of wonder and delight.

Renew has special meaning to me because I spent two years studying with the Renovaré Institute, and the meaning of renovaré is renew. Loving God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength, and loving others was definitely strengthened through those two years of study.

Traditions also refresh and strengthen me. Below is a picture showing that Mary and Joseph are drawing ever closer to "Bethlehem" on the fireplace mantle. They are now on the bookcase. (If you wonder, I have not read the classics fully. They're part of my to do list.)

Third Day of Advent: Renewal and Hope in Christ's Name

Renew? Made fresh; the old made new? What sort of photo could I take this day to show "renew"? I didn't know anyone who was renewing their wedding vows today. Then, I glanced over at my Christmas Cactus.

This cactus is seventeen years old. It was given to me by a student when I taught fourth grade. It's a miracle that it is still alive (I'm not the best gardener.) The plant was surviving but not thriving as shown by the inner leaves on the lower left. Then, a cousin posted a picture of her Christmas cactus in full bloom. When I asked her how she encouraged the plant to bloom, she didn't do much to it except place it in a window with morning light. I changed my plant to the other side of the house (as shown in the lower righthand picture) and my plant was renewed!

I realized I have experienced that renewal in relationship with Christ and in relationship with Christ's people. This picture below is where I met with my classmates from Renovaré -- a French form of the word "renew".

I learned anew to place my hope in Christ's name and friendship, of Whom was written:

" But when Jesus knew [that the Pharisees held a council against him, how they might destroy him], he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; And charged them that they should not make him known: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,  Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust" (Matthew 12: 14-21). 

During this season of Advent (and indeed every season) I need to place myself in the Light of the One in Whom I trust, hope in His name, and be renewed.

#adventword #renew