First, let me say a huge thank you to our choir director, musicians, and choirs for the amazing Advent Lessons and Carols service on Sunday. For me, the liturgy and music did exactly what it was intended to do: provide a place full of sensorial beauty in which I can feel God’s presence. The candles on the pews, the music washing over us, the readings from Holy Scripture that told the story of God’s work throughout history- and it told us once again of the coming of God in the flesh, the pinnacle revelation of God for us and the world. Watch it here. 

I needed the reminder: with a new variant in the news (is there always a new variant?), a recent school shooting, and the continuing inflation and service/supply chain interruptions, it is easy to see only darkness. It is easy to get scared, anxious, worried, and to allow it to blind us to our hope and our blessings that also exist this season. Very recently, I was on a zoom conference for a continuing education opportunity, and we talked about laughter and joy as an antidote to stress. It was so very helpful to me, as I need reminding to not only breathe deeply, but to laugh deeply these days as well. There is joy- and I mean the kind that makes you laugh from the bottom of your belly and soul- found in God made flesh. And there must be playfulness in our lives and even in the church.

Next, I would like to let you know about some petty theft that has occurred in our chapel. In the days prior to Thanksgiving, several items went missing: three rugs, the cross on the wall, and the candle sticks. Other items such as the digital keyboard were left untouched, and there was no damage to the space. Kim Curtis handled the situation with grace, and filed a police report for our missing items. Within twelve hours, they were located in an individual’s backyard, where it seemed as though this person was trying to create a “shrine” of their own. The wardens and I decided to press charges only in an effort to have our items returned, and in hopes that it triggers some help for this individual who is not mentally well. I will keep you updated and hopefully we get our items returned; I believe one of the rugs that was hanging on the wall was quite old and of value.

Do you remember the joy and laughter I talked about first? That was intentional. :) Those deep breathes and those deep laughs help us navigate situations such as the chapel theft with grace and purpose. Today, the chapel is once again unlocked, because providing a place to pray is still at the top of our priorities, and is built right into the design and purpose of that chapel. I invite you to pray for the individual who stole our items, and who is struggling with his own mental and emotional health.

My friends in Christ, do not get too bogged down in darkness this holiday season; look for the light. God is bringing hope, faith, joy, and peace to us, and we light an Advent Wreath to remind us of that very thing. So have a blessed and happy Advent! And go do some rejoicing.

Jesse+