As we prepare for the Third Week of Advent, we hear John the Baptist’s cry to be ready for the entrance of the Messiah into the world. Of course, this isn’t just in reference to the birth of Jesus all those years ago, but it is about our preparedness for Christ’s return.
We are in scary but also exciting times. Scary because we see so much going on around us and we cannot see beyond the bend in our trail that lies ahead. Exciting, because the Holy Spirit is active at St. David’s. Moving, pushing and even cajoling us to not just sit back and wait having oil for our lamps and wicks trimmed, but to continue to do the work of the Church. How do we go about doing that?
Reaching out to those in need – feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, visiting those who are alone or feel cast off, and
Sharing the Good News of Jesus – Invite your neighbors, family members and even strangers to tune into St. David’s weekly livestream worship services and Zoom Bible Studies. Invite them to attend Sunday, Wednesday or Friday Eucharists. If they don’t know what a Eucharist is explain that the word is from Greek meaning “thanksgiving.” We join together in thanks for God’s presence in our lives as Jesus comes to us in Holy Communion.
Be patient. “Pray always” as Paul instructs. This is something we all can do, young and old. Pray for St. David’s, for the world, for the vestry, staff, priests, deacons, bishops, and for the search committee. Pray for wisdom and reason in dealing with the Pandemic. Wear your masks. Get your vaccines and encourage your family to do the same. Pray for all doctors, nurses, support staff and administrators.
Be prepared for change. Change comes whether we want it or not. Be open to the Holy Spirit’s call as we experience changes at St. David’s that may impact us individually, as a congregation and the community beyond. Be open to a change of mind or heart. The disciples ran in fear when Jesus was crucified. In spite of Jesus telling them several times what was coming, they still insisted on seeing Jesus as a warrior king, someone who would restore Israel to its greater glory. It was after the resurrection when it finally registered that sharing the love of God in Christ Jesus was the plan all along! God has plans for St. David’s. Let’s be ready!
“Hark the glad sound! The Savior comes, the Savior promised long;Let ev’ry heart prepare a throne and ev’ry voice a song.”
“Hark, the Glad Sound!” Text by Philip Doddridge (1702-1751), Chesterfield
Ready or not, Christ is on the way.
See you Sunday!
Father Dave +