I used to think it was terrible when the first Sunday of Advent landed on Thanksgiving weekend. In some ways I still do. Everyone& #39;s still "hung over" from turkey (or shopping). No one& #39;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& #39;re distracted and unsettled. /2

Grace arrives when you need it, not when you& #39;re prepared for it. Not when you& #39;re seeking it or asking for it. Grace doesn’t wait till you& #39;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