How Silently the Wondrous Gift Is Given

Thanks to Timmy beg-beg-begging me, we went on a rare December bike ride around the lakes this weekend. He is so happy on that third wheel. He pedaled and yammered on pretty much the entire hour.

"And mama, look at that cute little doggie and there's a deer and if I had a light saber I would--"

"Did you see a deer?"

"Yeah."

Sure enough, there were five whitetail does browsing on the north side of Lake Harriet, not 20 yards from us, in the bird sanctuary. I've always felt a sense of wonder at encountering deer, especially close at hand, when I can see their nostrils flaring, ears twitching, observing them observing me. I have a glimmering memory of meeting a speckled fawn, almost close enough to touch, the summer before last - also with Timothy. I remember camping in the Cascades, sensing a presence as I ventured out after dark to relieve myself, seeing several pairs of glowing eyes moving cautiously, floating in the night.

Welcome to Advent. It's a time to pay attention to metaphors and meanings. The deer is used in the Song of Solomon as a symbol of Christ, according to the customary interpretation (ch 2 v 8). Deer sightings play a catalytic role in several saint legends too. Lake Harriet's deer were lovely heralds of the season. Watch. Wait. Inhale, exhale. Squeeze the hand you're holding. Let the dear Christ enter in.