12-10-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 10, 2024
I am old enough to remember sitting with the Sears catalogue, turning down corners, and circling specific items in the toy section. It was our version of conducting a search on Amazon and then emailing certain products to individuals seeking gift ideas. Things change, and those of us who remember the old way might grumble over the newfangled way of doing Christmas shopping. Of course, early in the history of our denomination, Christmas celebrations consisted of worship and a meal. Gift-giving was a heathen practice and took away from the real meaning. I do not believe online or physical stores would be thrilled if we were to revert to the “good old days.” Many of us could likely reduce our consumerism, spending a bit less, and being more mindful of the environmental impact of our shopping habits. But change happens, and I believe Christianity was originally designed in such a way that it can honor progress, while still finding a way of speaking to what is new with the Good News. God entered into one moment of time, but I do not believe the message was restricted to that specific moment. The message has the power to resonate with every moment, and since the giver of this gift is still alive and actively working, there’s a creative force that can infuse joy into every future moment, regardless of how different it may appear. 

Come, Holy God, and enter our lives anew this day. Enlarge our understanding of the Gospel message, so that we are not confined to a past moment and relinquish the power of your Good News to the past. Amen.