​In the Midst of Movement, a Moment of Stillness: A Prelude to Advent

Amidst the ebb and flow of daily life, which often feels like an unyielding gust of wind, a still point emerged during our St. James Sock Hop. Our IGNITE youth group, with a heartwarming mission, had gathered to collect socks for the homeless. As the nostalgic melodies played and we danced, a palpable joy filled the room. Together, we gathered over 400 pairs of socks, a testament to our collective spirit.

Yet, amidst the lively ambiance, a singular moment captured my attention. Turning away from my DJ console, I saw a young girl stepping away from the dancing crowd and the sounds of laughter. With a sincerity that touched my heart, she added her heartfelt prayer to our ever-growing tapestry at the prayer ribbon station. Rev. Phillip's recent sermons echoed in my mind, where he spoke of finding the divine in the ordinary. This young girl's poignant moment of reflection did just that, drawing a parallel to the profound tale of the humble birth of a child that we will soon celebrate.

Her simple act serves as a tangible connection to the mystery of the Incarnation. As we prepare for Advent and the remembrance of Christ's birth, I'm struck by the profound idea of the Divine manifesting as a vulnerable child. Two millennia ago, a momentous shift in the universe wasn't marked by grandeur but by the soft cry of an infant in Bethlehem. This girl's prayer is a contemporary reflection of that quiet, yet world-altering, moment.

As we embark on our Advent journey, I'll hold onto the memory of this young girl at the prayer station. In the midst of our busy lives, let's find moments to pause, to truly listen, and to see the divine in the simple, the depth in moments of stillness, and the sacredness in every genuine act.

On behalf of Cookie, Ethan, Wes, Sarah and the whole Ignite crew, we want to say THANK YOU for your amazing support of our program.

With Christ's Love,

Jonathan Graves