Joyous welcome
The theme of this year’s Advent devotion is: Do you see what I see? An array of St. Paul voices selected a photo or photos that hold very special memories to them, then sat down and reflected on what that photo means to them. What do they see and remember that others may not when looking at this photo? Through their words and stories, hopefully, you’ll see a little of what they see.
I remember Christmas Eve as a child and young adult, so excited to run into my Grandma and Grandpa Dillon’s home. I knew there would be Christmas music playing, our favorite baked sweets, gifts under the tree, and hot apple cider on. Most of all, as I came through the door, my grandparent’s faces lit up, and they would both greet me with a “well it’s Heather!”
It made me feel so special. Reminiscing later in life with my siblings, I came to find out that it was a shared experience. In those precious memories, we saw God’s love in my grandparent’s joyous welcome. It was the best gift.
Christmas is a celebration of God’s great love. And, it’s the perfect time to take a moment and look for it in those around us, whether it is in a simple act of kindness or the way someone has made us feel special.
Heather McCollough joined St. Paul this year. She is a nurse practitioner with UnityPoint Moline. Heather lives in Davenport and enjoys time with family and outdoor activities such as biking, running, walking and hiking.
