The Third Sunday of Advent

What do you fear? Even in our fear, We are called forward.

The First Step

Watch any parent. It starts with the first step.

They kneel down. They smile with anticipation.

They reach for their baby, calling and cooing them forward.

And then before they know it, they’re running behind a bike. They’re yelling,

“Keep pedaling! You got it! I’m right here!” And they’re jumping up and down,

because that little red helmet passed the mailbox.

And then, just like that, they’re driving circles in the church parking lot.

They’re giving instructions about easing on and off the pedal.

They’re having conversations about curfew and heartbreak.

And then, before they know it, they’re standing in a hospital room.

Their heart is bursting. And they say, “Put her head right here.

Rock her gently. Do you remember the nursery rhymes?

You were born for this.”

The first step is always the hardest,

but you, beloved, were born for this.

Prayer by Rev. Sarah A.  Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org