"O Beauty, ever ancient, ever new. Too late have I loved you. I was outside and you were within me, and I never found you until I found you within myself." St. Augustine

The last few days I have been reading the offerings people have made for our upcoming Advent devotional. This is always a very holy time for me. The process begins with a theme being chosen, a few words that invite people to reflection, prayer and then the writing. Many people write original work. Still others know that they have just the perfect poem or prayer tucked away in those places we tuck things we want to keep forever.

This year's theme is "Journey in the Heartbeat of God." In some ways it is more abstract than others we have chosen. The theme has prompted several phone calls asking:"Now let me see if I understand where you want us to go. Is this what you meant"? The conversation plays out and the caller heads off to write. I personally find the process overwhelmingly exciting. To put only a few words out there to which people can respond and then to receive such lovely and inspiring words is a gift. Though most people don't think of it this way, I see it as an an of spiritual formation. When people really respond to the words from their own faith perspective, their own experience of God, they come to know and articulate for others a glimpse into their spiritual selves. Writer and reader are transformed in the process.

This year our devotional will be graced by the lovely artwork of one of our members, Amanda Hunter. Amanda's art will mirror the very large banners that will hang in our sanctuary beginning the first Sunday of Advent. Her visual interpretation of incarnation, God with and within, is strikingly beautiful. It will challenge some to perhaps open their understanding of God's presence among us.

As for me, I have seen that God-within present in the stories people have told. I have seen the grace and transformation experienced in the poetry people have written. I have been blessed by the journey of this creative process which is, itself, infused with the Heartbeat of God.

The devotional will be available on-line so watch for it. In the meantime, you are invited to also reflect upon what "Journey In the Heartbeat of God" means to you. I suspect your spirit may be renewed in the reflection.

Have a blessed weekend…………………….