A busy few weeks.
Dear friends and members of St. Matt’s,
If you take a quick spin through our e-news, you’ll see that our dance card, like yours, is very full between now and Christmas. We have full days and full weekends. And we’re so looking forward to sharing all this time with you. I hope you’ll take advantage of all the Advent and holiday fun here at St. Matthew’s. And I would be remiss if I didn’t encourage you, as much as you can, to find some time and some space in this season.
I read an article this week that was about “the trouble with Advent”. And the trouble is that we’re meant to, as clergy, proclaim this good news year after year which is…certainly good, but not exactly news anymore! We all know what wonderful thing happens at the end of Advent. Most of us have known that for a long time, if not for our whole lives. So the “trouble” of Advent as this author suggested is that it’s hard to proclaim something as “news” when it isn’t – when it’s just…a fact. A part of the story we already know.
Still, I wonder if our challenge in Advent isn’t to try to hear it as “news” again. Jesus points to the awe and wonder of children, and suggests that we see our faith through childlike eyes. And most of us know firsthand, having had some child as a teacher in some season of our life, that there is magic to be had in this season. Perhaps the invitation for those of us for whom Jesus’ arrival isn’t exactly “news”, is to allow ourselves again to wonder. To be in awe. To try to hear it differently. To look at the whole story with childlike eyes that marvel that God could be this good. That there could ever be a God whose love is so strong, so pure, that it had to come here to be with us. And that even after having been here – even after knowing us intimately – seeing inside our hearts – knowing all that we think and do – loves us still. And completely.
This week, as we continue our journey, I want to encourage you to marvel. To wonder. And to make space to do that. Even if it’s only ten minutes before you go to bed tonight. Or 5 minutes on the treadmill tomorrow morning. Put some time aside to wonder. To listen. To believe again in the real magic of this holiday season – which is about love, giving, sacrifice, and joy that cannot be contained.
Come wonder with us on Sunday. Eat pancakes before church. Even if you haven’t pledged, come eat pancakes and be at our family morning crafty table! Make a candle that can help you pray for peace throughout the Advent and Christmas season. Stay for a Gospel discussion afterwards. Don’t forget about the pageant rehearsal! And still, there’s more. Until then, God loves you. And so do I.
Faithfully,
–Marissa +