The Mystery

We each search for meaning and to find our purpose in life.  We ask that burning, sometimes haunting question Why?   Psychologists say there is a part of our brain that seeks a Divine Being and since the beginning of time humanity has created a being which is in control.

For me God is the Mystery - the One in which I live and move and have my being.  The mystery that God came to us through Jesus is as real to me as my need for air and water.  I make my way to the manger, lighting candles, listening to those Carols that remind us of shepherds, angels, and the desire of humanity for peace and love. 

I sit in the quiet and experience the Mystery as the days grow shorter and colder.  My spirit is warmed and I know I am loved. 

God bless.

Rejoice!

Today is the third Sunday of Advent - a Sunday in which we are encouraged to rejoice always!  Our Advent door is open and we are given the invitation to make the journey to Christmas Day.  I sometimes feel as if I am walking on holy ground and like Moses, I too want to take my shoes off as I focus on what these days mean for me and the gift I find in Jesus.

While the challenges of this season surround us, we are reminded that God acted in the past, acts today, and will act in the future.  We may be waiting for medical tests results, watching a loved one prepare to die, or struggling with finances - there are a multitide of challenges we all face.  Our loving God will give us the strength and grace to move through them as a natural part of this life. 

I continue my own journey to Bethlehem, guided by the love of God and my desire to serve God more each day.  I learn to shed my own burdens and trust in God's faithfulness as I minister to others and give God thanks for each and every person that is placed in my path.

Rejoice always!  And again I say rejoice!  Take time this week to reflect on your own joys in this season of Advent. 

God bless.

Advent Adventures

Advent is here - a time I cherish.  I have just returned from a trip back east to Roanoke, Virginia to the first church I pastored.  It brought back many memories.  How naive I was when I first began pastoring - so full of hope. 

In the midst of Advent I hold on to the hope that Christmas brings.  The wonder and beauty of this season fills me with peace and I know that miracles still happen.  That "peace on earth" is possible, those who are outcasts will be welcomed, and "joy to the world" will be experienced by everyone!

I know that this can be a challenging time for many people.  Even now a friend of mine has a sister who is dying.  I spoke with another person who is struggling with poor health and will not live much longer.  Someone else is dealing with depression and struggles to go through each day.   I listen to each person and offer them my words of hope in this season we call Advent. 

Advent is an invitation for us all to open our hearts and lives up to the wonder and mystery of Christmas.  Like Mary and Joseph we too can go on a journey that will lead us to a place in which we can experience the love of God.  We can kneel at the manger and know what it feels like to open ourselves up to being vulnerable.  We can stop looking for something that is not there and give thanks for what and WHO  we do  have in our lives, the people, the friends, the lover, the partner, the family.

Our Advent Adventure can bring us to the realization that the greatest gift of all is the gift of God's love and that we are created to share our love with each other.  It is the legacy we will leave behind.

My prayer is that you will experience the love of God in such a profound way that you are filled with all the hope and joy that Christmas offers to us. 

I will write again before Christmas!