11-27-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 27, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 1:18a
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way…

Thought for the Day: With a feeling of discomfort in the gut after that enormous Thanksgiving meal yesterday, it is a bit of a shock to realize that a seismic shift just occurred. We moved from a Thanksgiving focus to an Advent focus in a matter of hours. We turned from joyful gratitude to a more contemplative preparation. The church year, if you’re not paying attention, can have you left in the dust. Joking aside, we do need to readjust our spirits in regard to where we are and what should be our focal point. Christmas is less than one month away, and we need to do some work. And of course, much of that work will look different this year. We cannot necessarily draw from our usual bag of traditions. Of course, the story hasn’t changed. The characters have remained the same. It is mostly the stuff we have used in our celebration of this season, and much of it is really good and helpful. With that said, I do believe a year of change might have us appreciating some of the things that might have felt old while also encouraging us to ask some questions in regard to why we celebrate in certain ways. I like patterns and consistency, yet there are times when I might be going through the motions without much appreciation of what it all points toward. This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent – Hope Sunday – and I’ve been asking some new questions about what it means. I “hope” you will join me.

Prayer: Let us turn our eyes and hearts to this new season in the church year. Guide us, O Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God, into the good work needed as one makes ready for the coming of the Christ Child. Amen.

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THE SEASON OF ADVENT

Begins This Sunday

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