December 4: Heart

December 4 - #AdventWord #Heart
“At the heart of” is a phrase we use often, referring to the critical, important, central or innermost part of something. Physiologically, we all know our heart is just that – it keeps us alive by pumping our blood through our bodies.  And yet, my favorite definition of heart is “courage, passion.” In this time, as we look to prepare, make space and wait, I think about Mary. Mary is the heart of the Christmas story, but I dare say it’s not just her central role of birthing the Christ child. It is because of her heart – her courage. Can you imagine? I am in awe at the courage she had to accept this seemingly inconceivable, outlandish task asked of her. The courage she showed as an unmarried pregnant woman in a society that did not accept such. The courage to trust and follow, and put her faith in God to simply walk the path ahead.

This Advent, I invite you to tune in to your own heart, your own courage – to trust in God as Mary did, to take the journey of faith, and to be in the person you are called and loved to be as a child of God.

—Lauren Kinard, a member of Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston, has served as Executive Assistant to the Bishop and Diocesan Administrator for the Diocese of South Carolina since 2013.