By the time I got out for my walk today it was already dark.  The moon was beautiful and bright in the clear sky - but no way could I get a decent photo on a phone camera! So here's a contrast - a retail park starkly illuminated and a decidedly wonky moon in the sky above.

As I walked I made several attempts at photographing illuminated signs, and every time they were blurred.  The least bad was one of some flashing star-shaped decorations...

If I were to go with a word for today, it'd probably have to be 'blurred' or 'artificial' but actually, I find myself preferring a link to the Bible study we shared this afternoon as the injunction to 'shine like stars'.  In the large photo, stars must be present but are invisible due to the brightness of the artificial lighting at ground level. In the small photo the stars are fake.  During the Bible study we chatted about all sorts of things, and about the balance of passive (shining) and active (speaking) witness to our faith, and of the need to 'walk the walk' as well as 'talk the talk'. I also found words from a Christmas carol (I know, it's ages off yet) coming into my head: 'in the dark street shineth the everlasting light...' In the dark of a November evening, looking up, above the garish and fake, shines the moon that has been there, effectively, forever, a reminder that hope will lead to the source of all light, even the Christ of God. 

There is a delightful irony, a kind of a 'hmm' moment that I am writing this in the evening, having worked pretty much flat out since 7 a.m., and that the reflection for the day is about starting the day with prayer!  Nothing to add to that really... I'll just type up the prayer and go out for my (much awaited!) walk. 

Holy God, as I step into all that I have to do today, and over the days which [lie] ahead, remind me that you are there with me, and that you desire to be a part of my everyday life.  May I begin all things by focusing on you, to set the ground; may I continue through all things focused on you ensuring you are at the centre of all I do; and may I end each task focused on you, knowing that I have completed it with you.  Amen.

A ghostly figure (or so it seems) runs around the perimeter of Bingham's Pond in Glasgow.  Today's photos seem to be connected by the words 'fleeting' or, if you want to be posh, 'ephemeral.'

A squirrel forrages for food at dusk

A carved pumpkin, discarded presumably a couple of weeks ago

A pampas plant looking its very best

Fleeting ephemera, moments passing almost too swiftly to register them, ideas always just beyond reach...

Advent truths, always just out of reach, never quite in focus, not quite understood...

Advent as a hopeful journey, glimpsing what cannot be grasped.

The is a #CelticAdvent calendar here if you would find it interesting or helpful - it's both light-hearted and liturgically sesnitive.

There are now oodles of opportunities to do a #ReverseAdventCalendar where you collect an item a day, package it into a hamper and deliver it to the cause of your choice in time for Christmas delivery.  Check your favourite search engine for details of local projects.  It's good to start now, as most charities are closed on Christmas Eve - and you really want your gift to reach its recipient by then! Last year the kitties did one for Cats Protection.

If you donate to food banks, how about you pop in a chocolate Advent calendar, some chocolate coins or the odd selection box in the next couple of weeks, which will bring a smile to someone who wouldn't otherwise have such a treat.  If you want to be more 'holy', then the Meaningful Chocolate People have a real advent calendar

Whatever you do, or don't do, may your advent bring you hope, love, joy and peace.

Communal discernment, Celtic style!  The story of Brendan, who set out on a voyage to the west (the Americas) is a story of someone with a passionate desire.  It is also a story of communal discernment - he took time to reflect with his brother monks in community, and also time to pray together with them, and privately,  to help him discern whether or not this was 'of God.'

A healthy trinity of individual desire, communal discernment and divine calling.  It all feels very 'Baptist' to me.

Whilst I cannot say I have any burning desires or strong passions to do something new or exciting at this point in time, it is healthy and helpful to pause and reflect on what it is God might just be saying to us.

The prayer from the book -

Gracious God, thank you forgiving me the passion to do great things.  Thank you that you desire for me to follow your will.  In all that lies before me in the fuutre, in all that excites me, cause me to pause to check that the path I am about to step upon is the one you lay before me.  Surround me with those who will give wise counsel, and may I be drawn into great things for you.  Amen.