12.15.2025 | Third Monday in Advent

​A Frigid Morning, A Surprising Bloom
 
“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.”
—Psalm 33:20–21 (NIV)
 
On this mid-December morning, as the Doodle girl and I wandered the side path, we were struck by tender shoots of new growth. Every year I am surprised by the rebirth of the Christmas Roses. Renewal happens here, even in the harshest chill.
 
The world feels frozen in hatred, anger, and ugliness. Yet even here, grace insists on entering, quiet, steady, unyielding.
 
These hellebores push up through frost and shadow, showing us that strength and endurance win. Life goes on. Hope survives. With faith, love, and courage, we too can endure and even thrive.
 
This third week of Advent we light the Gaudete Candle, the Candle of Joy. Darkness is almost over. The light is coming soon. Gaudete means REJOICE! This is the perfect time to reflect, to pray, to remember. Joy will come again.
 
As Philippians reminds us: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be clear to all. The Lord is near.”
 
Somehow, Love breaks through the darkness.
Somehow, Love breaks through despair.
Somehow, Love breaks through, and we rejoice.
 
Because love always breaks through. And joy will rise again.