Here we are… the end of 2017.
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for God is good! For God’s mercy endures forever. –1 Chronicles 16:34
Here we are… the end of 2017. December is here. Advent is here. The paperwork of the end of the year is here. The decorations and gift-giving suggestions are out in the stores. Someone started humming Christmas music as I was walking through a store a few days ago. The calendar of the church is packed to overflowing and I’m already so tired. Maybe you are too. I want to offer you some encouragement.
The scriptures tell us that during the time Jesus was in Mary’s womb, there were a cluster of angel sightings. An angel talked to Zechariah. An angel talked to Joseph. An angel spoke to Mary. An angel spoke to a Shepherd. God’s messengers spoke to the people involved with encouragement and assurance. Jesus’ birth was surrounded by declarations of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love by special Angels!
The story of Jesus’ birth is the story of God responding to the darkness, hate and injustice of the world. Jesus is God’s intervention into human sinfulness. The government and the religious leadership were failing the majority of the community. Jesus’ teaching and work was on behalf of the underserved, forgotten and marginalized. Jesus came to us, to be an instrument of healing and restoration to a broken world.
God is full of surprises! From scary angels who bring messages from God to a baby born in a manger, God comes in unexpected ways and places. Our God always makes a way to come to us! Why would now be any different? Why would our world be exempt from God’s surprising ways?
Even as racism, sexism, gun violence and extreme hate are powerful forces in our living, God is even more powerful! If you are troubled by the news of the day, just wait, God will show up! God always does!
Take time to rest before Advent begins. Take time to remember God’s surprising ways! Take time to breathe and remember the people you love! Take time to give thanks… for whatever has been a blessing to you this year! It’s almost over…
The scriptures tell us that during the time Jesus was in Mary’s womb, there were a cluster of angel sightings. An angel talked to Zechariah. An angel talked to Joseph. An angel spoke to Mary. An angel spoke to a Shepherd. God’s messengers spoke to the people involved with encouragement and assurance. Jesus’ birth was surrounded by declarations of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love by special Angels!
The story of Jesus’ birth is the story of God responding to the darkness, hate and injustice of the world. Jesus is God’s intervention into human sinfulness. The government and the religious leadership were failing the majority of the community. Jesus’ teaching and work was on behalf of the underserved, forgotten and marginalized. Jesus came to us, to be an instrument of healing and restoration to a broken world.
God is full of surprises! From scary angels who bring messages from God to a baby born in a manger, God comes in unexpected ways and places. Our God always makes a way to come to us! Why would now be any different? Why would our world be exempt from God’s surprising ways?
Even as racism, sexism, gun violence and extreme hate are powerful forces in our living, God is even more powerful! If you are troubled by the news of the day, just wait, God will show up! God always does!
Take time to rest before Advent begins. Take time to remember God’s surprising ways! Take time to breathe and remember the people you love! Take time to give thanks… for whatever has been a blessing to you this year! It’s almost over…
Rev. Dr. Leigh Ann Shaw