Pastor’s December Message

The sky is darkening, the church is quiet, and I   am wandering around the sanctuary, pondering,  talking to God. “What do you want me to say, God, as we go into this sacred moment of  Advent?”  Then I notice the stained-glass windows. I love the blues, greens, and purples that surround the  center pictures depicting scenes in the life of Christ.

The first one, up in the altar area, is of an angel blowing a trumpet.    A proclamation is being made. God’s promise which will be fulfilled at God’s chosen time. “O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel…” It is a-time-not-yet. When will God’s promise be fulfilled?

The second one is of the star lighting the way to the manger where the babe has been laid. “What child is this who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping…” The scene is serene, calm, peaceful. This one act in history declaring that God has come to earth – ready to traverse this earthly sod to identify with humanity.

The third is of Jesus blessing the little children. Jesus received them then and receives us now, “Let the little children come to me…” Are we not all God’s little children? We come in many forms, shapes,   sizes, colors, temperaments and from many different lands, backgrounds and  situations, “…bless all the dear children in thy tender care…” What an amazing thought, that the God of the universe cares so much for each one of us.

The fourth is of the empty cross. The deed is done. This child that came “…to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray…” He gave his life that we might live and live life abundantly. A life of love. A life of hope. A life of grace. Together.

The fifth is of the empty tomb. “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!” Just as Jesus broke free from sin, death and the grave, so we can break free from those things that would weigh us down, those things that destroy the Image of God in us. We have been set free to be transformed into the Image of God. Light. Life. Love.

Come one, come all. That is the message of Advent. “News! News! Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all… Christ was born to save!”

Which brings us full circle to proclamation. Who will you share the Good News with this holiday season?

“O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!”

Pastor Lisa