IN THE DAYS LEADING to Christmas, busyness can cause us to lose focus. Busy baking. Busy cleaning. Busy buying. Busy wrapping and trying to do too much. I invite you to pause and reflect.
Reflect on hope.
Reflect on peace.
Reflect on joy.
Reflect on love.
Those four words centered a bulletin board display I photographed in 2012 at Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church. I love this image. For the message. And for the story behind it. The Faribault church annually (except during COVID) hosts a free Community Christmas Dinner in mid-December. Volunteers serve a full holiday meal in the church basement. I’ve attended many times and enjoyed not only the food, but also the coming together of my community.
In this particular photo, a woman awaits a ride home. I’d just finished my meal and came across her standing at the top of the stairs, poinsettia in hand. The holiday flowers decorated dinner tables and diners were welcome to take them home. She was unaware of my presence. I framed the moment. A moment that, against the backdrop Advent message, captures the reason for the season.
Hope. Peace. Joy. Love. May all be yours as we draw near to Christmas.
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Happy Holidays to you Audery , thank you for sharing on your web site over the years ! ~Willy
You are welcome, Willy. Thank you for continuing to embrace my blog. And Merry Christmas to you!
GREAT Reminder! I really try to not get in the busyness, especially when at home with family and friends (work too if I can help it). I like the word “reflect” and it reminds me of another “r” word “relax”. 🙂 Happy Holidays – Wishing You All the BEST – Enjoy!
Thank you for the addition of the word “relax,” also good to practice. A most joyful Christmas to you and yours!
I needed to be reminded today as I hurry around trying to finish last minute everythings. Thanks for the reminder Audrey
I think we all hurry around. And sometimes just pausing can calm the spirit and refresh us.
Hope, peace, joy and love…beautiful and meaningful words to reflect on, especially this time of year.
Thank you for appreciating my focus on those meaningful words.