Advent is here! And the season of preparation is upon us as we move closer to Christmas. At the same time, we are preparing to say “goodbye” to 2013 and all of its joys and challenges. In the midst of preparing to celebrate God’s coming amongst us, perhaps part of the preparation can also be reflecting on how God has reached us over the past year. Without any partiality, I can honestly say this is an amazing congregation. Over the short three months that I’ve been a part of your community, I have gotten to see God’s presence throughout this congregation’s life. From the food pantry to the hosting of Inter-faith Hospitality Network, from Sunday morning worship to mid-week Bible studies, from Stephen Ministers to the Property Committee — it’s a wonderful experience to see so many people living in response to God’s grace, and in so doing, reflecting God’s love.
I have a hunch that in more situations than you might realize, you have brought God and God’s love to people who desperately need it. And, don’t we all desperately need God’s love? Perhaps, in the last year, we have even been reached by God’s love in a special way — perhaps God has once again come amongst us in a way we didn’t expect.
That’s why the message of Christmas never loses relevance or importance — because God’s love for us is so great, that God became human and lived and among us. And God didn’t just come once, in the tiny town of Bethlehem; instead, God comes to us again and again with love and grace — sometimes in ways we’d never expect. As we wait for Christ’s advent, may we do so with and thanksgiving and under- standing that God comes to us again and again, with grace and love beyond our imagination!
Have a Blessed Advent, and a Joyous Christmas!
Peace and blessings, always
Vicar Ryan