It was only a few weeks ago we were gathered here to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord, and now the Season of Lent is upon us – and this year, in particular, we have a very early start.

The days still draw to a close early, the sky darkening shortly after five o'clock post meridiem – earlier if it was an overcast day.   It is cold outside.   The trees cut a stark and barren silhouette against the horizon.   Even the squirrels waste no time in foraging, their little feet scurrying across the frozen pavement in search of nourishment.

At this time of year we turn inward.   We bury our faces into knitted layers of fabric, tightly bundles to fortify ourselves against the elements.   We shun the outdoors in favour of fireplaces, hot chocolate, and old, favourite movies under piles of blankets.

If you feel this way - and even if you don't! - take advantage of it.   Use the time spent staying cozy and warm to turn inward in prayer.   We enter the Season of Lent and journey with Christ through the wilderness for forty days at precisely the time of year none of us would want to be outside day and night.

I encourage you to spend your time in prayer.   Bundle up, pick up a book you have been meaning to read, and use this time to reflect on your life: where your spiritual journey has led you, where you see yourself going in the future.

As the darkness crowds in, speak to God about your failings and disappointments, and about your dreams and aspirations. God has a plan for each one of us, sometimes we just need to slow down and listen to him before we can see where we are being led.

This year, our annual vestry meeting falls near the beginning of Lent. As Church and community, we too would benefit by turning inward.   We need to examine our successes and our failings and to take stock of the gifts God has bestowed upon us – and God has given us some marvelous gifts.

Lent is an exercise in listening to God, to giving ourselves over to him entirely, that we may do his will here on earth. Lent is a time to undertake the soul-searching that Christ undertook when he was in the wilderness.   It is a time to discover who we are as God's children and as Church – the bride of Christ.

May God give to each one of us a sense of purpose and belonging this Lent.

Blessings,