10-25-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 25, 2023
Did anyone else open their eyes this morning, glance at the date, and realize that we are two months away from Christmas? And for the church, we are one month and one day away from decorating for Advent/Christmas. A week from today, the overnight low is to be 50, so that will help my mood and attitude. I need at least a few days of coolish weather before I am ready to begin my focus on Christmas. A little over a week ago, I realized the store I was visiting was playing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” Maybe, like me, they were trying to throw some hopeful energy into the universe, wanting a little taste of something that might resemble Christmas. Wishful thinking is never a bad thing, but before we get to the holidays, we will have a series in worship about self-care and how it should not be viewed as selfish. It sort of seemed appropriate as we approached the holidays to reflect on self-care in preparation for what will be a time of busyness, stress, and less sleep than most of us need. In Luke’s Gospel, prior to an important decision (the choosing of the twelve disciples), Jesus slips away, goes to the mountain top, and there he prays all night (Luke 6:12). Though he clearly had a busy few days prior to that time away, there seems to be an acknowledgement that taking a little time for oneself is helpful in advance of something big. Too often, we wait until we are exhausted and can’t take another step forward. We all know that is an unhealthy approach, yet we still do it. Maybe, in the weeks leading to the holidays, you will find a self-care practice that you can put in place prior to the craziness of the holidays. Let’s be honest, we tend not to be as intentional or successful when we try something new when we are weary and distracted.

God of every moment, we pray this day for an acknowledgment of your presence in this moment. We are too quick to put something off for another time, another day, another moment. You are here in this moment, and so help us take advantage of the opportunity to embrace and receive the gifts of your love and encouragement, your grace and peace. In this moment, these are the gifts we need. Amen.