Advent is just days away! This time of year reminds me of hope and peace with its sparkling lights, manger scenes, and Christmas carols. For many of us, there is much love and joy from the end of November to early January.

How will you lean into Advent? I'd like to invite you to enter into this season, one that is loaded with meaning, trusting in the return of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ! This is also a time when we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, followed by the celebrations of Christmas, and ending on January 6 with Epiphany. Are you ready? It is time for the journey to begin!

Forty laity of the West Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church each set aside time to pray, reflect, and share a message and meditation within the covers of this booklet. You are invited to set aside time each day to read the scriptures and ponder the stories told and we hope that you are compelled to be a bridge, to begin or renew a relationship with another so that they too might participate in this journey.

May we all live and walk in faith and discipleship with one another!

In gratitude and thanksgiving,
Kristi Wilkerson
Conference Lay Leader