Preparing for Advent

May I share with you three images to carry in your hearts as we journey through the holy waiting of Advent? They aren’t the usual seasonal images; they are faith foundation images that have stayed with me from our annual Rostered Ministers Gathering early in November. I hope they will be powerful for you.

First, the bread of Holy Communion. At Grace, the bread is dense and thick. It takes a moment as each worshipper steps forward for the presiding minister to break off a piece to share with the words, “The body of Christ given for you.” What if that waiting, that breaking, is not a delay, but purposeful signs for us every week that we are broken people living in a broken world worshiping the Savior who gave himself to be broken for us?

Second, the water of Holy Baptism. Yes, it is the warm, calm water carefully slipped over our heads when as infants we are held over the font and named children of God. And yes, it is also surging water rising up inside us and cascading down over us every day for the rest of our lives, the sign that we are chosen and perfect in God’s eyes always. Can you picture it? Can you feel how loved you are?

Third, God’s action in our lives. I’ve long pictured that the Holy Spirit has each of us on a long silken tether which he lets out or pulls in, arranging the best for each and all of us as she’s doing now as you’re praying for a new pastor and pastors are praying for a new congregation to serve. So, I was stunned to be so moved singing a hymn with the words, “Your goodness (God) is running after me.” I later found it on Bing Videos, The Goodness of God by CeCe Winans. Can you imagine God running after you?

May the grace and peace of God be yours this holy season, dear people of Grace, through images both new and long-treasured.

Pastor Robin Brown, Bridge Pastor