Here am I...

SERMON

St. Simon's on the Sound

December 23, 2018

Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)

I am not sure that I have the skill necessary to impart, through the words of this sermon, the importance of the coming of Christ into our lives tomorrow evening - Christmas Eve.

The world as we know it today is filled with challenges that bespeak ominous outcomes – the rapidly advancing effects of global warming with its associated risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.

The ever-increasing number of refugees throughout the world who continue to remain homeless, without a permanent place to rest their heads. In America alone 2.5 million children —one in every 30 children—go to sleep without a home of their own each year.

The effects of political discord and divisiveness that lead us far astray from our historical goals of peace and prosperity.

And, perhaps most importantly, the falling away from God the Father – our sovereign and our savior. The God in whom we have sworn, as a nation, to place our trust.

Increasingly, these challenges create a pile of negativity, anger, fear and anxiety - the concerns of the world seem overwhelming, like a tower about to topple over. We wonder, "What can be done – where are we headed?" Overwhelmed by the concerns of the world, we tend to lose sight of the fact that God is in our midst – that he is trying to get our attention – that he yearns to guide us and to love us through these seemingly unending challenges.

Perhaps like me this Advent Season you have resisted the temptation to immerse yourself in the heart wrenching and sometimes violent dramas of the world. Perhaps like me for these few short weeks you have committed to creating a sacred time each day – no intrusions from cells phone, TV, or similar distractions – a sacred time to be in conversation with yourself and with God. A sacred time in which you can reflect through prayer, reading, and conversation, on the meaning of Christ in your life. A sacred time in which you continue your journey of internal transformation. A journey that moves you continually toward faithful obedience to God. A journey that leads you into a world filled with an abundance of compassion, love, and justice for all.

In today's reading from Hebrews the author tells us, "When Christ came into the world, he said…'I have come to do your will, O God'." In this one brief statement Jesus declares his utter commitment to God's will. He commits to sacrificing his will to the will of God.

In this reading Jesus also said, "You have neither desired not taken pleasure in sacrifices and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See I have come to do your will."

There is no mincing of words here, the sacrifices mandated in God's first covenant with Israel, adherence to the Law, is no longer sufficient. These repetitive acts made in the name of worship and forgiveness are merely an external response to God's commandments. They constitute a response that does not come from the heart; a response that is not pleasing to God – not sufficient in any way. In today's world we would say that all the boxes have been checked, but nothing has really changed.

Faithful obedience to God's will is not external – it is internal, the result of an internal transformation. Faithful obedience is a response that comes from the heart. A response that comes from the center of our being. The center of our being – our soul - that place in us where the self-sacrifice of Christ meets us and perfects and completes us. A place in us from which all of our conduct and our relationships emanate.

The reality of the incredible gift of redemption - God made man through the incarnation - cannot be fully understood without leaving a mark on our hearts and our souls – a mark that inspires our faithful obedience to God's will. The heart and soul of our faith has its origin and prompting in the heart and soul of Christ's own ministry. The sacrifice of his will to the will of God. Indeed, his delight in doing God's will.

Today as we await the birth of our Savior, yet once again, I like to think that we are much like Mary perplexed by this incredible phenomenon and pondering what it means for us here in Ft. Walton Beach, 2018, so far removed from Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago.

As we ponder the arrival of the Christ child, can we hear Mary – really hear her when she says, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." And, if we hear these sacred words – this confession of faith and commitment to do God's will – are we, like Mary, also able to say, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word."

And, if we hear these words correctly, and then reflect on the complexity of their meaning, do we begin to understand God's great gift - the gift of Jesus? An incarnation that demands repentance of our sins. An incarnation that demands a commitment to do not our own will, but God's will. An incarnation that writes on our hearts, faithful obedience – faithful obedience based on utter commitment to God's will.

And what is the will of God – for us – for our community – for the world? How can we determine the difference between external obedience, or checking off boxes, and internal obedience, submission of our will to the will of God? What do we need to be listening for, paying attention to? What needs to be on our radar as we move into the New Year – into 2019?

Well, without a doubt, continuing, without ceasing, to build our own community. To be the best stewards possible of this sacred space and all its inhabitants.

Being together, continuing in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers – the body of Christ at St. Simon's – this communal fellowship is the well spring of our faith. This is where we come each week to receive the spiritual nourishment necessary to keep alive our commitment to God as we go into the world as disciples of Christ, doing God's will not our own as we proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.

St. Simon's is where we are fed. The community, the world, is where we do our work – God's work, really.

And, what is our work? Certainly not the sacrifices and burnt and sin offerings that Jesus speaks of in Hebrews. Jesus affirms, God takes no pleasure in these activities. Doing for the sake of doing what is deemed by the majority as the "right" way, the "politically correct" way, or as the ancient Hebrews knew it a carrying out the law, doesn't do it. Not at all – no way – not for God anyway. Adherence to the law, political correctness, is external not internal work. It is work that does not come from the heart.

No, we must be considering something a bit more challenging than following the rest of the pack. We must be considering work that comes from the heart. Work that is based in what we perceive to be God's call for us. Work that is carried out in faithful commitment to God's will, not ours. Work that seeks and serves Christ in all persons. Work in which we love our neighbors as ourselves. Work that strives for justice and peace among all people.

As I indicated earlier – challenging work. The kind of work that Jesus had in mind for us when he said to his disciples, "All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you."

As we sit here just one day before the arrival of Jesus, yet again, into our lives and into our hearts, I would like us to listen, listen deep within our hearts to the angel Gabriel announcing the arrival of Jesus. I pray that as these words infiltrate the depths of our souls, and we, like Mary, are able to utter the words, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word."

My friends, this is not easy work. Social injustice, violence, political divisiveness, and racism fill the world into which we are sent. Once we have answered God's call, we are committed to faithful obedience to his will – peace on earth and good will towards all. Once we have answered his call; once we have committed to his will, there is no going back – no return ticket.

Let us not be frightened. Jesus was, is, and will be with us always. Have courage, persevere, and remember, our Lord's words as he commissioned the disciple, "…remember, I am with you always, the end of the age."

SERMON

St. Simon's on the Sound

December 23, 2018

Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)

I am not sure that I have the skill necessary to impart, through the words of this sermon, the importance of the coming of Christ into our lives tomorrow evening - Christmas Eve.

The world as we know it today is filled with challenges that bespeak ominous outcomes – the rapidly advancing effects of global warming with its associated risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.

The ever-increasing number of refugees throughout the world who continue to remain homeless, without a permanent place to rest their heads. In America alone 2.5 million children —one in every 30 children—go to sleep without a home of their own each year.

The effects of political discord and divisiveness that lead us far astray from our historical goals of peace and prosperity.

And, perhaps most importantly, the falling away from God the Father – our sovereign and our savior. The God in whom we have sworn, as a nation, to place our trust.

Increasingly, these challenges create a pile of negativity, anger, fear and anxiety - the concerns of the world seem overwhelming, like a tower about to topple over. We wonder, "What can be done – where are we headed?" Overwhelmed by the concerns of the world, we tend to lose sight of the fact that God is in our midst – that he is trying to get our attention – that he yearns to guide us and to love us through these seemingly unending challenges.

Perhaps like me this Advent Season you have resisted the temptation to immerse yourself in the heart wrenching and sometimes violent dramas of the world. Perhaps like me for these few short weeks you have committed to creating a sacred time each day – no intrusions from cells phone, TV, or similar distractions – a sacred time to be in conversation with yourself and with God. A sacred time in which you can reflect through prayer, reading, and conversation, on the meaning of Christ in your life. A sacred time in which you continue your journey of internal transformation. A journey that moves you continually toward faithful obedience to God. A journey that leads you into a world filled with an abundance of compassion, love, and justice for all.

In today's reading from Hebrews the author tells us, "When Christ came into the world, he said…'I have come to do your will, O God'." In this one brief statement Jesus declares his utter commitment to God's will. He commits to sacrificing his will to the will of God.

In this reading Jesus also said, "You have neither desired not taken pleasure in sacrifices and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See I have come to do your will."

There is no mincing of words here, the sacrifices mandated in God's first covenant with Israel, adherence to the Law, is no longer sufficient. These repetitive acts made in the name of worship and forgiveness are merely an external response to God's commandments. They constitute a response that does not come from the heart; a response that is not pleasing to God – not sufficient in any way. In today's world we would say that all the boxes have been checked, but nothing has really changed.

Faithful obedience to God's will is not external – it is internal, the result of an internal transformation. Faithful obedience is a response that comes from the heart. A response that comes from the center of our being. The center of our being – our soul - that place in us where the self-sacrifice of Christ meets us and perfects and completes us. A place in us from which all of our conduct and our relationships emanate.

The reality of the incredible gift of redemption - God made man through the incarnation - cannot be fully understood without leaving a mark on our hearts and our souls – a mark that inspires our faithful obedience to God's will. The heart and soul of our faith has its origin and prompting in the heart and soul of Christ's own ministry. The sacrifice of his will to the will of God. Indeed, his delight in doing God's will.

Today as we await the birth of our Savior, yet once again, I like to think that we are much like Mary perplexed by this incredible phenomenon and pondering what it means for us here in Ft. Walton Beach, 2018, so far removed from Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago.

As we ponder the arrival of the Christ child, can we hear Mary – really hear her when she says, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." And, if we hear these sacred words – this confession of faith and commitment to do God's will – are we, like Mary, also able to say, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word."

And, if we hear these words correctly, and then reflect on the complexity of their meaning, do we begin to understand God's great gift - the gift of Jesus? An incarnation that demands repentance of our sins. An incarnation that demands a commitment to do not our own will, but God's will. An incarnation that writes on our hearts, faithful obedience – faithful obedience based on utter commitment to God's will.

And what is the will of God – for us – for our community – for the world? How can we determine the difference between external obedience, or checking off boxes, and internal obedience, submission of our will to the will of God? What do we need to be listening for, paying attention to? What needs to be on our radar as we move into the New Year – into 2019?

Well, without a doubt, continuing, without ceasing, to build our own community. To be the best stewards possible of this sacred space and all its inhabitants.

Being together, continuing in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers – the body of Christ at St. Simon's – this communal fellowship is the well spring of our faith. This is where we come each week to receive the spiritual nourishment necessary to keep alive our commitment to God as we go into the world as disciples of Christ, doing God's will not our own as we proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.

St. Simon's is where we are fed. The community, the world, is where we do our work – God's work, really.

And, what is our work? Certainly not the sacrifices and burnt and sin offerings that Jesus speaks of in Hebrews. Jesus affirms, God takes no pleasure in these activities. Doing for the sake of doing what is deemed by the majority as the "right" way, the "politically correct" way, or as the ancient Hebrews knew it a carrying out the law, doesn't do it. Not at all – no way – not for God anyway. Adherence to the law, political correctness, is external not internal work. It is work that does not come from the heart.

No, we must be considering something a bit more challenging than following the rest of the pack. We must be considering work that comes from the heart. Work that is based in what we perceive to be God's call for us. Work that is carried out in faithful commitment to God's will, not ours. Work that seeks and serves Christ in all persons. Work in which we love our neighbors as ourselves. Work that strives for justice and peace among all people.

As I indicated earlier – challenging work. The kind of work that Jesus had in mind for us when he said to his disciples, "All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you."

As we sit here just one day before the arrival of Jesus, yet again, into our lives and into our hearts, I would like us to listen, listen deep within our hearts to the angel Gabriel announcing the arrival of Jesus. I pray that as these words infiltrate the depths of our souls, and we, like Mary, are able to utter the words, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word."

My friends, this is not easy work. Social injustice, violence, political divisiveness, and racism fill the world into which we are sent. Once we have answered God's call, we are committed to faithful obedience to his will – peace on earth and good will towards all. Once we have answered his call; once we have committed to his will, there is no going back – no return ticket.

Let us not be frightened. Jesus was, is, and will be with us always. Have courage, persevere, and remember, our Lord's words as he commissioned the disciple, "…remember, I am with you always, the end of the age."

 SERMON

St. Simon's on the Sound

December 23, 2018

Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)

I am not sure that I have the skill necessary to impart, through the words of this sermon, the importance of the coming of Christ into our lives tomorrow evening - Christmas Eve.

The world as we know it today is filled with challenges that bespeak ominous outcomes – the rapidly advancing effects of global warming with its associated risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.

The ever-increasing number of refugees throughout the world who continue to remain homeless, without a permanent place to rest their heads. In America alone 2.5 million children —one in every 30 children—go to sleep without a home of their own each year.

The effects of political discord and divisiveness that lead us far astray from our historical goals of peace and prosperity.

And, perhaps most importantly, the falling away from God the Father – our sovereign and our savior. The God in whom we have sworn, as a nation, to place our trust.

Increasingly, these challenges create a pile of negativity, anger, fear and anxiety - the concerns of the world seem overwhelming, like a tower about to topple over. We wonder, "What can be done – where are we headed?" Overwhelmed by the concerns of the world, we tend to lose sight of the fact that God is in our midst – that he is trying to get our attention – that he yearns to guide us and to love us through these seemingly unending challenges.

Perhaps like me this Advent Season you have resisted the temptation to immerse yourself in the heart wrenching and sometimes violent dramas of the world. Perhaps like me for these few short weeks you have committed to creating a sacred time each day – no intrusions from cells phone, TV, or similar distractions – a sacred time to be in conversation with yourself and with God. A sacred time in which you can reflect through prayer, reading, and conversation, on the meaning of Christ in your life. A sacred time in which you continue your journey of internal transformation. A journey that moves you continually toward faithful obedience to God. A journey that leads you into a world filled with an abundance of compassion, love, and justice for all.

In today's reading from Hebrews the author tells us, "When Christ came into the world, he said…'I have come to do your will, O God'." In this one brief statement Jesus declares his utter commitment to God's will. He commits to sacrificing his will to the will of God.

In this reading Jesus also said, "You have neither desired not taken pleasure in sacrifices and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See I have come to do your will."

There is no mincing of words here, the sacrifices mandated in God's first covenant with Israel, adherence to the Law, is no longer sufficient. These repetitive acts made in the name of worship and forgiveness are merely an external response to God's commandments. They constitute a response that does not come from the heart; a response that is not pleasing to God – not sufficient in any way. In today's world we would say that all the boxes have been checked, but nothing has really changed.

Faithful obedience to God's will is not external – it is internal, the result of an internal transformation. Faithful obedience is a response that comes from the heart. A response that comes from the center of our being. The center of our being – our soul - that place in us where the self-sacrifice of Christ meets us and perfects and completes us. A place in us from which all of our conduct and our relationships emanate.

The reality of the incredible gift of redemption - God made man through the incarnation - cannot be fully understood without leaving a mark on our hearts and our souls – a mark that inspires our faithful obedience to God's will. The heart and soul of our faith has its origin and prompting in the heart and soul of Christ's own ministry. The sacrifice of his will to the will of God. Indeed, his delight in doing God's will.

Today as we await the birth of our Savior, yet once again, I like to think that we are much like Mary perplexed by this incredible phenomenon and pondering what it means for us here in Ft. Walton Beach, 2018, so far removed from Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago.

As we ponder the arrival of the Christ child, can we hear Mary – really hear her when she says, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." And, if we hear these sacred words – this confession of faith and commitment to do God's will – are we, like Mary, also able to say, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word."

And, if we hear these words correctly, and then reflect on the complexity of their meaning, do we begin to understand God's great gift - the gift of Jesus? An incarnation that demands repentance of our sins. An incarnation that demands a commitment to do not our own will, but God's will. An incarnation that writes on our hearts, faithful obedience – faithful obedience based on utter commitment to God's will.

And what is the will of God – for us – for our community – for the world? How can we determine the difference between external obedience, or checking off boxes, and internal obedience, submission of our will to the will of God? What do we need to be listening for, paying attention to? What needs to be on our radar as we move into the New Year – into 2019?

Well, without a doubt, continuing, without ceasing, to build our own community. To be the best stewards possible of this sacred space and all its inhabitants.

Being together, continuing in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers – the body of Christ at St. Simon's – this communal fellowship is the well spring of our faith. This is where we come each week to receive the spiritual nourishment necessary to keep alive our commitment to God as we go into the world as disciples of Christ, doing God's will not our own as we proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.

St. Simon's is where we are fed. The community, the world, is where we do our work – God's work, really.

And, what is our work? Certainly not the sacrifices and burnt and sin offerings that Jesus speaks of in Hebrews. Jesus affirms, God takes no pleasure in these activities. Doing for the sake of doing what is deemed by the majority as the "right" way, the "politically correct" way, or as the ancient Hebrews knew it a carrying out the law, doesn't do it. Not at all – no way – not for God anyway. Adherence to the law, political correctness, is external not internal work. It is work that does not come from the heart.

No, we must be considering something a bit more challenging than following the rest of the pack. We must be considering work that comes from the heart. Work that is based in what we perceive to be God's call for us. Work that is carried out in faithful commitment to God's will, not ours. Work that seeks and serves Christ in all persons. Work in which we love our neighbors as ourselves. Work that strives for justice and peace among all people.

As I indicated earlier – challenging work. The kind of work that Jesus had in mind for us when he said to his disciples, "All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you."

As we sit here just one day before the arrival of Jesus, yet again, into our lives and into our hearts, I would like us to listen, listen deep within our hearts to the angel Gabriel announcing the arrival of Jesus. I pray that as these words infiltrate the depths of our souls, and we, like Mary, are able to utter the words, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word."

My friends, this is not easy work. Social injustice, violence, political divisiveness, and racism fill the world into which we are sent. Once we have answered God's call, we are committed to faithful obedience to his will – peace on earth and good will towards all. Once we have answered his call; once we have committed to his will, there is no going back – no return ticket.

Let us not be frightened. Jesus was, is, and will be with us always. Have courage, persevere, and remember, our Lord's words as he commissioned the disciple, "…remember, I am with you always, the end of the age."

   SERMON

St. Simon's on the Sound

December 23, 2018

Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)

I am not sure that I have the skill necessary to impart, through the words of this sermon, the importance of the coming of Christ into our lives tomorrow evening - Christmas Eve.

The world as we know it today is filled with challenges that bespeak ominous outcomes – the rapidly advancing effects of global warming with its associated risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.

The ever-increasing number of refugees throughout the world who continue to remain homeless, without a permanent place to rest their heads. In America alone 2.5 million children —one in every 30 children—go to sleep without a home of their own each year.

The effects of political discord and divisiveness that lead us far astray from our historical goals of peace and prosperity.

And, perhaps most importantly, the falling away from God the Father – our sovereign and our savior. The God in whom we have sworn, as a nation, to place our trust.

Increasingly, these challenges create a pile of negativity, anger, fear and anxiety - the concerns of the world seem overwhelming, like a tower about to topple over. We wonder, "What can be done – where are we headed?" Overwhelmed by the concerns of the world, we tend to lose sight of the fact that God is in our midst – that he is trying to get our attention – that he yearns to guide us and to love us through these seemingly unending challenges.

Perhaps like me this Advent Season you have resisted the temptation to immerse yourself in the heart wrenching and sometimes violent dramas of the world. Perhaps like me for these few short weeks you have committed to creating a sacred time each day – no intrusions from cells phone, TV, or similar distractions – a sacred time to be in conversation with yourself and with God. A sacred time in which you can reflect through prayer, reading, and conversation, on the meaning of Christ in your life. A sacred time in which you continue your journey of internal transformation. A journey that moves you continually toward faithful obedience to God. A journey that leads you into a world filled with an abundance of compassion, love, and justice for all.

In today's reading from Hebrews the author tells us, "When Christ came into the world, he said…'I have come to do your will, O God'." In this one brief statement Jesus declares his utter commitment to God's will. He commits to sacrificing his will to the will of God.

In this reading Jesus also said, "You have neither desired not taken pleasure in sacrifices and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See I have come to do your will."

There is no mincing of words here, the sacrifices mandated in God's first covenant with Israel, adherence to the Law, is no longer sufficient. These repetitive acts made in the name of worship and forgiveness are merely an external response to God's commandments. They constitute a response that does not come from the heart; a response that is not pleasing to God – not sufficient in any way. In today's world we would say that all the boxes have been checked, but nothing has really changed.

Faithful obedience to God's will is not external – it is internal, the result of an internal transformation. Faithful obedience is a response that comes from the heart. A response that comes from the center of our being. The center of our being – our soul - that place in us where the self-sacrifice of Christ meets us and perfects and completes us. A place in us from which all of our conduct and our relationships emanate.

The reality of the incredible gift of redemption - God made man through the incarnation - cannot be fully understood without leaving a mark on our hearts and our souls – a mark that inspires our faithful obedience to God's will. The heart and soul of our faith has its origin and prompting in the heart and soul of Christ's own ministry. The sacrifice of his will to the will of God. Indeed, his delight in doing God's will.

Today as we await the birth of our Savior, yet once again, I like to think that we are much like Mary perplexed by this incredible phenomenon and pondering what it means for us here in Ft. Walton Beach, 2018, so far removed from Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago.

As we ponder the arrival of the Christ child, can we hear Mary – really hear her when she says, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." And, if we hear these sacred words – this confession of faith and commitment to do God's will – are we, like Mary, also able to say, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word."

And, if we hear these words correctly, and then reflect on the complexity of their meaning, do we begin to understand God's great gift - the gift of Jesus? An incarnation that demands repentance of our sins. An incarnation that demands a commitment to do not our own will, but God's will. An incarnation that writes on our hearts, faithful obedience – faithful obedience based on utter commitment to God's will.

And what is the will of God – for us – for our community – for the world? How can we determine the difference between external obedience, or checking off boxes, and internal obedience, submission of our will to the will of God? What do we need to be listening for, paying attention to? What needs to be on our radar as we move into the New Year – into 2019?

Well, without a doubt, continuing, without ceasing, to build our own community. To be the best stewards possible of this sacred space and all its inhabitants.

Being together, continuing in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers – the body of Christ at St. Simon's – this communal fellowship is the well spring of our faith. This is where we come each week to receive the spiritual nourishment necessary to keep alive our commitment to God as we go into the world as disciples of Christ, doing God's will not our own as we proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.

St. Simon's is where we are fed. The community, the world, is where we do our work – God's work, really.

And, what is our work? Certainly not the sacrifices and burnt and sin offerings that Jesus speaks of in Hebrews. Jesus affirms, God takes no pleasure in these activities. Doing for the sake of doing what is deemed by the majority as the "right" way, the "politically correct" way, or as the ancient Hebrews knew it a carrying out the law, doesn't do it. Not at all – no way – not for God anyway. Adherence to the law, political correctness, is external not internal work. It is work that does not come from the heart.

No, we must be considering something a bit more challenging than following the rest of the pack. We must be considering work that comes from the heart. Work that is based in what we perceive to be God's call for us. Work that is carried out in faithful commitment to God's will, not ours. Work that seeks and serves Christ in all persons. Work in which we love our neighbors as ourselves. Work that strives for justice and peace among all people.

As I indicated earlier – challenging work. The kind of work that Jesus had in mind for us when he said to his disciples, "All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you."

As we sit here just one day before the arrival of Jesus, yet again, into our lives and into our hearts, I would like us to listen, listen deep within our hearts to the angel Gabriel announcing the arrival of Jesus. I pray that as these words infiltrate the depths of our souls, and we, like Mary, are able to utter the words, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word."

My friends, this is not easy work. Social injustice, violence, political divisiveness, and racism fill the world into which we are sent. Once we have answered God's call, we are committed to faithful obedience to his will – peace on earth and good will towards all. Once we have answered his call; once we have committed to his will, there is no going back – no return ticket.

Let us not be frightened. Jesus was, is, and will be with us always. Have courage, persevere, and remember, our Lord's words as he commissioned the disciple, "…remember, I am with you always, the end of the age."

Waiting for Jesus...

BLUE CHRISTMAS

December 13, 2018

There is a prayer on the back of your leaflet that begins, "This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it might be."

I think this prayer is "right on." It is a prayer that asks God to help us to stand bravely, to sit quietly, and to lie low patiently and gallantly. Perhaps most importantly it is a prayer that beseeches God to give us the Spirit of Jesus. To welcome into our hearts the very God who created us.

This is a helpful prayer to remember as we move through the holiday season with memories flooding our minds and deep emotions of sadness and possibly regret tugging at our hearts and souls. Perhaps a tinge of envy creeps in as we watch those not impacted by grief – or at least recent grief – hurry about their busy lives. They look like they are having so much fun shopping, attending parties, decorating their house and planning for that big day – Christmas.

For those of us, recently bereaved, this is not the case. All these joyous activities are for those who are still couples, still families. All this joy and merriment is for those not weighted down by broken hearts, the pain of grief and perhaps the pangs of regret over relationships, now gone, the sadness over words left unsaid, and, frequently, the guilt at the realization that our ways of being together perhaps could have been better.

After many years of counseling bereaved family members, it is clear to me that there is no antidote to grief. No relief from the pain that comes when a loved one slips away and is no longer there to hold, to chat with, to love. There is no way to fill the emptiness – no replacement for the loss.

I have also discovered, however, that being with others – being part of a community – is critically important. The opportunity to share stories, to shed tears on a comforting shoulder – to be cared for by fellow journeymen in this transitory life – to experience compassionate companionship allows the healing process to begin.

Of most importance, however, is remembering what this Advent season, despite all its rushing about, what this brief period of time signifies for us Christians. In spite of the distractions of families and friends rushing here and there preparing for Christmas Day – despite the joyous preparations that cause that extra tug of grief deep within our heart and soul, we must make every attempt to reflect upon the true meaning of the season and the only true gift, sent by God, the gift of Jesus, the gift of love, the gift of forgiveness, the gift of salvation – the gift of someone who will walk beside us in compassion and love always. Always and for evermore.

The psalmist wrote:

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
   from where will my help come?
² My help comes from the Lord,
   who made heaven and earth.
³ He will not let your foot be moved;
   he who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴ He who keeps Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord is your keeper;
   the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,
   nor the moon by night.
⁷ The Lord will keep you from all evil;
   he will keep your life.
⁸ The Lord will keep
   your going out and your coming in
   from this time on and for evermore. (Psalm 121)

What beautiful words, what comforting words. "The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore."

This evening's Blue Christmas service is meant to be a sacred time for us to draw close to God - to hear, really hear, his comforting words, and to experience, truly experience, his compassionate presence through our encounter with light, love, music, and prayer. Our time together here is meant to be a time to smile as we remember fond memories and to shed tears as we experience the emptiness of loss.

Within this sacred space and with those with whom we experience the bond of our sacred community, it is a time to utter both silently and aloud sacred words, beseeching God to prepare us for what another day will bring. A time to ask for the courage to stand bravely, to sit quietly, to lie low patiently and gallantly, and wait – wait patiently and gallantly for the Spirit of Jesus to arrive in our hearts, in our souls this Christmas Eve.

In a moment we will begin the process of lighting candles and praying. First, we will light the candles on the small altar in the center aisle. Following that, you are invited to approach the main altar and light a candle, or candles, for your loved one. We have also placed crayons on the main altar. Please feel free to write any words that spring into your heart next to your candle. Breathe deeply, take your time – make this a sacred time in this sacred space.

Should you want anointing with Holy Oil, Fr. David and I will be standing by to pray with you and anoint you.

God Bless you my friends. Remember you are loved – God loves you always, not matter what. Remember, you are never alone – God is with you always – no matter where.