Yesterday’s Pain
Some of us walk into Advent
tethered to our unresolved yesterdays
the pain still stabbing
the hurt still throbbing.
It’s not that we don’t know better;
it’s just that we can’t stand up anymore by ourselves,
On the way to Bethlehem, will you give us a hand?
– Ann Weems
Dear Caldwell,
As we move from Sunday to Sunday this week, we continue our journey to Bethlehem and the manger. In this, our “Unadorned Advent,” we are invited to seek not so much the sales, the glitz and the glamour the world attaches to Advent. Instead we seek what is real, pure and simple in this season of preparation for the birth of Hope.
Sometimes, that means an honest acknowledgment of our pain and grief, as expressed in the poem from Ann Weems above. We are invited to acknowledge openly and honestly that there are moments for all of us where hope seems distant. Perhaps, also, our God. For those who feel more melancholy than merriment, even if only at times, we offer a Service of Consolation and Healing tonight at 7 p.m. In the Shelby Room. This is a quiet, nitrate service of reflection and sharing in which we acknowledge our “Blue Christmas” moments and feelings, comfort each other and are strengthened by our Creator and Sustainer. One part of the service will be a chance to “dwell” with the seasonal favorite, ‘O Come, O Come, Emanuel,” a hymn of solace and promise. If you are coming, you are invited to bring an item that represents your loss or need, whether that is a photo or a memento of some sort that puts you in touch with something or someone you may be missing in your life.
Another way to heal: Please note that the Tuesday night Yoga practice will be held as usual tonight. Leader Donna Marcotte will offer this practice an alternative way to find strength and healing in community and in the sight if our Lord. Meet in Belk Hall at the usual time.
On Saturday at 4:30 p.m. we will host another special seasonal service called Las Posadas. Come as we join our Latina/o sisters and brothers and their kids as we seek “room in the inn,” find it and respond with worship and fellowship. This is a memorable pageant and a feast for the eyes, ears and hearts.
A couple of final notes:
– This Sunday we will indulge in the music of the season with more singing than usual, including two offerings from our children.
– We’ve received a bit more time to order poinsettias. So you can still call your order into Anne in the church office or fill out an order form this Sunday.
In Christ,
John