I used to think it was terrible when the first Sunday of Advent landed on Thanksgiving weekend. In some ways I still do. Everyone's still "hung over" from turkey (or shopping). No one's ready. Advent takes everyone by surprise. Its a bit awkward.

Just like that first Advent. /1

Which, I suppose, is the whole point. Because Jesus arrived in the dark of the night, not the glare of the spotlight—shrouded in ordinariness, forgettableness. And because grace shows up when we're distracted and unsettled. /2

Grace arrives when you need it, not when you're prepared for it. Not when you're seeking it or asking for it. Grace doesn’t wait till you're ready. Otherwise grace would never come; grace would no longer be grace. Sometimes grace is awkward. Grace interrupts. Grace surprises. /3

Just like the first Sunday of Advent each year. /4