Waitng in Anticipation
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. (1 John 3:1-2)
Dear Members of the Parish,
This time of year takes me back to my childhood as my brothers and I anxiously awaited Christmas morning and wondered if we would receive the gifts from Santa that we had requested. That waiting seemed like forever back then and I also remember the beauty of the Christmas Eve service -- the candle light and carols and the creche all decorated with fragrant greenery.
As an adult, there is a new kind of waiting and anticipation in this season of Advent. It is the waiting and expectation of the coming of Our Lord into our lives and hearts. As we journey through these final days leading up to his coming, are you searching diligently for a glimpse of him? Are you living expectantly, anticipating what it will be like to see him and become more like him?
One of the ways we can become more like Jesus is by reaching out to others. There is so much need in the world right now and all of us can do something to help. Whether it is reaching out to a neighbor who is living alone, or helping a young child, or offering a cup of coffee to a homeless person, we all can do something to brighten the lives of those around us.
Each year at this time, we have a special collection at our Christmas Eve services. This offering is divided equally among Episcopal Relief and Development and our operating budget. ERD serves people in crisis all over the world. Episcopal Relief & Development reached more than 2 million people in over 40 countries last year. Rather than impose “one size fits all” solutions, Episcopal Relief & Development supports local, long-term initiatives that address poverty, hunger, disease, economic development and disaster response where the need is greatest.
ERD's partnership with the worldwide Church creates opportunities to serve communities in some of the most remote areas of the world, as well as in urban environments where extreme poverty persists. In many of these places, the Church is often one of the few institutions people trust and turn to for help.
As we approach Christmas Eve, I hope you will reflect on your many blessings and give generously to our Christmas Offering. May this be our prayer:
"God of glory, I confess that I often spend more time anticipating material gifts than I do anticipating your coming. During this Advent season, set my mind and my heart on you, and remind me to be searching diligently for a glimpse of you. I know that when you return I will be like you, and I look forward to that. But I pray that as I look for you and get to know you better, I may become more like you today. Amen." (Tracy Hartman, from "Following the Star.")
Blessings and Peace,
Miriam
This time of year takes me back to my childhood as my brothers and I anxiously awaited Christmas morning and wondered if we would receive the gifts from Santa that we had requested. That waiting seemed like forever back then and I also remember the beauty of the Christmas Eve service -- the candle light and carols and the creche all decorated with fragrant greenery.
As an adult, there is a new kind of waiting and anticipation in this season of Advent. It is the waiting and expectation of the coming of Our Lord into our lives and hearts. As we journey through these final days leading up to his coming, are you searching diligently for a glimpse of him? Are you living expectantly, anticipating what it will be like to see him and become more like him?
One of the ways we can become more like Jesus is by reaching out to others. There is so much need in the world right now and all of us can do something to help. Whether it is reaching out to a neighbor who is living alone, or helping a young child, or offering a cup of coffee to a homeless person, we all can do something to brighten the lives of those around us.
Each year at this time, we have a special collection at our Christmas Eve services. This offering is divided equally among Episcopal Relief and Development and our operating budget. ERD serves people in crisis all over the world. Episcopal Relief & Development reached more than 2 million people in over 40 countries last year. Rather than impose “one size fits all” solutions, Episcopal Relief & Development supports local, long-term initiatives that address poverty, hunger, disease, economic development and disaster response where the need is greatest.
ERD's partnership with the worldwide Church creates opportunities to serve communities in some of the most remote areas of the world, as well as in urban environments where extreme poverty persists. In many of these places, the Church is often one of the few institutions people trust and turn to for help.
As we approach Christmas Eve, I hope you will reflect on your many blessings and give generously to our Christmas Offering. May this be our prayer:
"God of glory, I confess that I often spend more time anticipating material gifts than I do anticipating your coming. During this Advent season, set my mind and my heart on you, and remind me to be searching diligently for a glimpse of you. I know that when you return I will be like you, and I look forward to that. But I pray that as I look for you and get to know you better, I may become more like you today. Amen." (Tracy Hartman, from "Following the Star.")
Blessings and Peace,
Miriam
posted by Miriam | 8:43 AM
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