Hi everyone,
What a wonderful day we had today at Grace Lutheran, where we welcomed the people of First Lutheran Church to join us in worship! It was great to see so many new faces, some familiar faces, and some faces that probably should be familiar but I’ve just forgotten them (heh heh). In being with others, in participating in different traditions, and in fostering new and old relationships, I believe God is present and revealing that love that we keep talking about. I appreciate those from First who made the trek out, I appreciate those from Grace who helped with the set up and take down that made everything possible, and I appreciate the leadership of both congregations in allowing this to even happen.
God most definitely was here with us in worship.
But in times like these, it is easy to see God. When we are surrounded by warm smiles and friendly conversations, it is clear that God is with us. When we are told repeatedly that God loves us and blesses us, we can totally recognise God when we feel love and blessing.
That is what we look forward to in this coming Advent season. We look forward to the entrance of God in our world, in our lives, and in our communities. We look forward to the indwelling presence of God all around us. We look forward to God with us.
But look at that, I got a little ahead of myself. Let’s quickly read next week’s readings:
Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37
Doom and gloom much? As I was saying before the break, it is easy to see God in the good times of life, but can we see God when life isn’t so good? Can we see God in the hurts and pains that we sometimes feel? Can we see God in the brokenness and death in the world?
Maybe. Sometimes. But it sure isn’t easy. At least, it isn’t as easy.
But we must remember that God is there. We must remember to keep looking, keep watch, keep alert. As Jesus says, keep awake, for we don’t know the time or the hour, which is true, but we can always remember that God is here, now, in this place, with us, through us, among us, and all around us.
God is here.
We look forward to our recognising of God. We look forward to the “a-ha” moment where we see what God is doing. We look forward to seeing and feeling God’s love working in us and those around us, giving us that sense of community and peace, reassuring us that we are all joined together as the one body of Christ.
I am looking forward to this Advent season with you all, and all the joy of the Christmas season!
Have a great week, everyone!