The day and hour are unknown. That was the theme of the gospel for the first Sunday in Advent. And November 30th is exactly one day in the 156th year of our church at Faith! Having just celebrated the 155th anniversary on the 23rd – it is easy to look back and be giddy about all the great things we have accomplished as a church in 155 years, because Lake Hanska also reached that milestone last year. We can’t just think because of those things that we can take a break, after all things get busy with holiday planning, family get-together’s etc.
In this time of Advent, we need to always be aware that while we know when Jesus came to earth as a child, we do not know when he will return, and so we have to be awake and keep watch for His return. We need to realize the true meaning for this time – it is gift giving for sure, but the greatest gift we received was Jesus’ birth, life and death on the cross for our salvation. There’s not a gift we can give to match that.
Advent is the time of anticipation and excitement awaiting to celebrate the birth of our Savior in that cold,dank, stable 2025 years ago. And it should be with a child-like anticipation of wonderment of what awaits them under the tree when they awake on Christmas morning or whenever the family celebrates the giving of gifts. But for the next four weeks we also have to have patience. I want to share a couple of comments my mentor Pastor Sarah Zender had in her message for her church in Luverne.
“If you also feel a little overwhelmed by the season ahead, you are not alone. I mean cookies, concerts, presents, plays, church and parties and all the things! It can be hard to connect to what really matters. It can be hard to settle ourselves into the deep stillness of waiting for a baby to be born. For Jesus to come again.
I invite you to take a deep breath and remember God loves you always. Look up and wonder, how can Advent be a time to make the joy of Christmas, the real Christmas, alive in my heart this year. It will be different for all of us. I usually need to slow down and simplify my days so I can hear God. Some people need to find more time to be in community to be with neighbors. Others might want to find ways to serve their neighbor to connect with their faith through service.”
However you find yourselves attempting to patiently await Christ’ birth, As Sarah said, “Seek God in this season of waiting, and God will show up to nourish you soul.”
May God reward your anticipation and patience this blessed season.
Just one of you in Christ ~ Ralph
