All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. – Romans8:14 (NRSV)
Every morning on my way into the city I drive past a corner shop situated in a busy part of the city and above its
busiest section. Usually before 8:00 am, the owner of the business stands outside on the pavement, exchanging cheerful greetings with passersby.
Many of these are pupils on their way up to a primary school located on the slopes of the mountain just above the center of the city of Cape Town, South Africa. On one particular morning, I witnessed the shop owner helping two young ones cross the street. The children laughed as he playfully pretended to give them a gentle push to help them on their way.
This act of kindness and care reminded me of a shepherd keeping a watchful eye on his sheep. In this season of Advent, we remember that God is always with us – watching over us, guiding us, giving us a sense of security, just as the shop owner on the corner brings a sense of assurance to those school children each day.
Especially at this time of year, we yearn for God’s guiding Spirit to give us open hearts and minds to change whatever in our lives needs changing.
Advent reminds us that God is always with us, helping us to become more like Christ.
Dear God, in preparation for the birth of Jesus in our hearts, we pray for the gift of a new beginning where we need it most.
Amen.
