A Word From Our Pastor
December is one of my favorite times of the year. Besides the weather offering a refreshing chill, there's Advent, Christmas, and the beginning of a new year. For those who have been participating in the Multigenerational Sunday School, you may recall that the liturgical year, or church calendar year, starts on the first Sunday of Advent.
For me, a reflection on the new year ushers in a sense of hope. This is a time when we can try new things, and it reminds us that we should never think of ourselves as being stuck in a particular time or situation. There's always an opportunity for change, and the grace that's offered to us by God allows us to move beyond the guilt, shame, or failures of the past and try whatever our heart desires anew. Of course, grace is always available to us throughout
the year, but the cycles of the calendar help spark a reminder of the hope that comes with renewal.
Along with hope, we also focus on peace in the Advent season. This is a peace built not on uniformity but on love - love for ourselves; love for our communities; and love for the world. When we understand and acknowledge our personal limitations while striving for the changes we hope to experience, we can be at peace with ourselves. Although we are bound by our personal limitations, remembering that we are all loved by a God with no bounds or constraints can convey a sense of personal peace. Recognizing this divine love allows us to speak with confidence to others within the community and throughout the world, even when we have differing opinions.
Having the opportunity to express ourselves authentically is an integral part of experiencing joy. Sometimes we must intentionally seek joy to find it. As we prepare for the holidays, it's helpful to remember to look for the joy this season is meant to bring. In our rush to find the perfect gift, prepare our work and living spaces with the perfect decorations, and make the perfect meal, we sometimes become exasperated. When we become mindful of unhealthy stress during the holidays, it's helpful to remember that one of the primary goals of Advent is to experience joy.
The foundation of all our experiences and activities in Advent, or in any other season, is love. Authentically seeking the best outcome for everyone around us is the kind of love Chrsit taught us to share, and Jesus shared it with great courage. As Jesus documented during his walk on Earth, loving others may prove inconvient and even provocative to society's established powers. Yet Jesus revealed the strength and power of love to the whole world despite the struggles he endured.
May you experience the hope, peace, joy, and love that come with the anticipation of God's divine presence this Advent season.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Mike