December ’22 Rector’s Message
Advent. The start, the fresh beginning, the getting back on track, because we are not as we could be. Sweet baby Jesus is cute and cuddly, but he is born in the context of trauma. The smells of winter spices and favorite foods are delightful, but we have friends and neighbors who are hungry. Advent is a waiting and watching and attentiveness toward the creche, but we are not there yet. He comes, moves into the neighborhood because we collectively are bringing on our own doom. We are turned away from virtues and morals and community and not on generosity, commitment, nor change of life and heart. Advent is the invitation to take the time to not get lost in the fralalala all the time, but to recall that it is our change of life for which Christ is born. The practice of Advent as more than a December countdown includes three things:
- Attend Sunday worship weekly (on site or online).
- Choose 1 activity to do weekly
- Choose 1 activity to do daily
- Do something intentional that involves light and color.
- Do something intentional that invokes roundness or journey.
- Do something that focuses on both the awe, and the collective failures (= sins) that require the birth of God in human flesh (and again and again in our hearts and minds)
There are classic approaches to Advent: we have our Living Well through Advent booklets, with a weekly evening prayer and discussion group on Zoom. We are making Advent wreaths on the 27th. If you need help finding ways to practice that are not flamey or help you discover something holy and new – we have a shelf and webpage full of ideas.
Please take a moment and not only look at the calendar of worship for the month of December, but put those dates and times in your calendar. Make the plan to attend in whatever way is best for you – and make that plan now. Like you would schedule an appointment or a party. We have holy things: Blue Christmas, Christmas services. And fun things on tap – a jolly not-so-churchy carol party and Winter Wizard Chess (human sized, costumes..)!! We are supported every week by the endless efforts of some amazing and tireless persons. Hold them in prayer and lend a hand. The mission of Jesus through us is one of generosity and wholehearted care for friends and strangers. Christ is coming to turn our hearts and minds and hands toward his reign. So if you are drawn to the baby, then raise your hand and offer your time, wonder, and talent to him this December.