It’s that time of year again - a sense of slowing down, of conserving energy - a pause perhaps in the busyness of life.

Seeds lay dormant in the ground, squirrels bury supplies of nuts and other food to keep them going through the winter, hedgehogs lower their body temperature and slow down their heart rates as they hibernate.

It might seem that it’s a bit gloomy but it’s only a time of waiting, for the cycle of the seasons to move onwards through winter and into spring.

And just as nature has a seasonal cycle to follow, many people will be looking towards Advent (it’s on 1st December this year). It’s that pivotal moment when Christians enter a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. And I expect there will be a last-minute dash to the supermarkets to get a chocolate Advent calendar to open each day!

It’s a time to give thanks for what has been, and prepare for what lies ahead – to find contentment in the little things and enjoy every moment of the season.

In a contemporary version of the Bible, Jesus says, “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” I love that phrase ‘the unforced rhythms of grace’ – each time I read it I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly, and pause to listen to my breathing and my heartbeat.

Instead of ‘hibernating’, let’s breath deeply and enjoy the change in the seasons – kicking up the leaves as you walk through the woods, enjoying the freshness of the cold air as you see your breath, being thankful that the sun is shining above the clouds.

And on gloomy days – remember that Jesus is the light of the world. Even if we don’t give him a second thought, we are always on his heart and he surrounds us with his love.

May we all know God’s constant love and peace, even as the seasons change around us. Revd Anne