The Way of Love - December 17, 2018

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Copyright 212 west: the spoken life

During the season of Advent, our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has invited us to reflect on the way of love. For many of us, there are numerous paths to love. Some have found love through the sacred acts of prayer, blessings, learning, and worship while others discovered love through the movements of turning, going, and rest. Collectively, these expressions of love or the various ways to love have a purpose. In Luke 10:27, Our Lord Jesus Christ reminds us of the purpose of our love. The purpose or the object of Christian love allows us to, “ Love the Lord our God with all our hearts and with all our souls and with all our strength and with all our minds '; and to 'Love our neighbor as Ourselves.” Love, according to Christ, embodies an inclusive communal experience between the Divine and humanity. In loving God with our very being: hearts, minds, souls and strength, we become conduits of the divine character of God. As written by the evangelist in John 4:7-21, “God is love” and those who love God and their neighbors translate the divine will of God.

We, despite the harsh realities of human experiences, are beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of God through His love and grace to be beacons of love as revealed in the Gospels and through the Scriptures. As we celebrate the coming and birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, lets us remember to share our love with God and with our neighbors. Since the Creation of the world, God has shared His Love with humanity. Do you remember? It occurred through the breath of life and it was reaffirmed through the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the words of A.J. Russell, I proclaim that “I am Love because God is Love,” because I am made in the image of God and I am willing to testify of my Love.

Oh, what a blessing and joy to receive and give love.

Post by Shancia Jarrett

Rest - December 16, 2018

Kathy Brown, 1982

“God hugs you.

You are encircled by the arms

of the mystery of God. “

-Hildegard of Bingen

When I first joined the Episcopal Church in 1993, I was in the early phases of my adult relationship with our Living and Loving God, and so much of that relationship was new. Every Sunday night the church offered a healing prayer service and I often attended. Many times, the people who prayed for me had this overwhelming sense of how much God loved me, but I couldn’t receive it. They were nice words and thoughts, but the experience of God’s love did not penetrate my heart, although I wanted it to. One night, the prayer team felt compelled to give me a copy of this picture to keep for myself and to meditate on the image of being encircled by the arms of Jesus.

What I love about this picture, is the calm, restful expression of the lamb. That lamb looks as if it knows deep in itself that all is well. It is safe and there is nothing to worry about, because Jesus the Good shepherd is here. I know that face. I know that feeling. This is the feeling that I had as a child when I was being held in the comforting arms of my dad. My dad had big puffy hands and strong arms that padded life with love and protection. When I was encircled in my dad’s embrace, I did not have a care in the world, because I knew that I was unconditionally loved, not theoretically, not poetically, but every bit of me- body, mind, and soul was enveloped in and by love. Is this what abiding means?

Eventually, over the last twenty-five years, the love of God has seeped into the little openings of my heart, and sometimes it has burst forth like a surging waterfall, that utterly overwhelms me, heals me, and often moves me to tears, laughter, and silent awe. I love Jesus, and there is no greater rest than to surrender all my cares and worries to Jesus- to allow myself to simply rest, knowing that Jesus is providing for my every need because of his love on the cross. This Advent, I invite us to lean into Jesus’ arms. He is friend, brother, lover of our souls, our constant companion, the fullest expression of the Father, savior and redeemer of the world. God desires each one us personally, and has gone to great lengths to secure an intimate and personal relationship with each one of us through his Son and his Spirit. This Advent, I invite us to imagine what rest and surrender might look like as we are encircled in God’s love.

Post by Tara Shepley

Go - December 15, 2017

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Mark 16:15

As this Advent season continues, I am finding myself increasingly thirsting for the time and space to slow everything down. At times it seems as though the speed at which the hours, days and weeks are barreling past me with all of the wonders, commitments, bright lights and holiday celebrations that accompany them, makes it exceedingly easy to get caught up in that flurry of excitement and activity and neglect to take the time to reflect on the magnitude of the moment toward which we are all racing. That singular point in time at which the world would change forever.

But even as these thoughts of regret and loss flow through my mind, I am also reflecting this year on the fact that perhaps there is something else that can be learned this Advent. I am struck this year by the fact that as much as I am seeking the peace and quiet reflection that the birth of our Savior commands I am also mindful of the need to seize the opportunity to live into the invitation to GO! We all need time to slow down this Advent and ensure that our hearts and mind are properly positioned so that we might receive the greatest gift of all on Christmas morning. But I believe it is also incumbent upon us not to let that be the end of the story.

As children of God we are not called to sit and wait forever. It is on each of us to live our lives in the manner that Jesus has taught us. To honor Christ, we must lead a life that touches others with that same loving humility that Jesus did. It would be truly a lost opportunity for us to wait in the wings, keeping the wondrous gift of Jesus to ourselves, while at the same time failing to share Jesus’ love and forgiveness with everyone we meet. It is our call as Christians to live into our role as apostles and go out into the world wherever that call may take us to spread the Good News!

So as we wait this Advent, let’s not be merely interested observers. Let’s be the horses in the starting gate. Let’s store the energy of the peace and reflection that Advent affords to all of us so that when the light of Christ shines on Christmas Day we can become the beacons which reflect throughout the world with all the love and mercy that Jesus would have us do.

Let’s GO!!!

Post by Michael Southwick

Bless - December 14, 2018

Photo from CNN.com

This season of Advent is one of my favorites of the liturgical year and one of the favorites of almost all the families of this part of the world, since in addition to preparing for Christmas, the tree is bought, the house is decorated and the purchase of gifts for friends and family. It can be a time of stress and at the same time one of happiness since we want to show our love to others with a gift.

During this time six years ago, a tragedy took place that tore at our souls, the killing of mostly children and some adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.

How can one forget that day? The uncertainty, the fear and the sadness that invaded our homes. To find hope, rebirth, understanding, after such tragedy without God would be impossible.

We asked ourselves where God was at that moment? How did he allow that to happen? Maybe we were even angry with Him.

How to bless God in those moments of difficulty, of impotence? How can we do it? How would those parents or children who had lost their relatives that day on December 14, one so close to Christmas?

I can only say that those innocent children were welcomed into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, and they are surely praising Hosanna in the highest next to the angels in heaven.

Whenever we experience happy things or sad and tragic events, we should bless the Lord and have a psalm, hymn or prayer that helps us to be very connected spiritually with our God.

We should trust that He, the creator of everything we see and do not see, loves us and awaits us with open arms even if we do not understand why things happen

My favorite psalm in these times of sorrow is Psalm 103-1: 2

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits "...

This psalm fills my soul with tenderness and although I am sad or angry or happy, it does me good and I know that God loves me.

In this Advent we must be prepared with His word by incorporating it into our everyday lives, so that by blessing others, we obtain our own blessings. Amen.

Post byRoxana Videla Olivares

Esta estacion de adviento es una de mis favoritas del año liturgico y una de las favoritas de casi todas las familias de esta parte del mundo, ya que ademas de prepararnos para la navidad, se compra el arbol, se decora la casa y se hace la compra de los regalos para amigos y familiares. Es una epoca de cierto estres y a la vez de felicidad ya que queremos demostrar nuestro amor a los demas con un presente.

En medio de todo este clima, hace seis años atras sucedio una tragedia que nos desgarro el alma, la matanza de los niños y algunas personas mayores en la escuela elemental Sandy Hook, en Newtown CT.

Como olvidar ese dia, la incertumbre, el miedo y la tristeza que invadio nuestros hogares. Como encontrar en medio de todo eso la esperanza, el renacer, el entendimiento, sin Dios seria imposible.

Nos preguntamos donde estaba Dios en ese momento, como permitio que eso sucediera, nos enojamos quiza con El.

Como bendecir a Dios en esos momentos de dificultad, de impotencia?,  como podemos hacerlo?, como lo harian esos padres o hijos que habian perdido a sus familiares? ese dia 14 de diciembre, tan cercano a la Navidad, dia de alegria y reuniones familiares.

Solo puedo decir que esos niños inocentes fueron recibidos en los brazos de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, y seguramente estan alabando Hossana en la alturas! junto a los angeles en el cielo.

Cada vez que nos sucedan cosas alegres o muy tristes y tragicas bendigamos al Señor, tengamos un salmo o himno u oracion que nos ayude a estar muy conectados espiritualmente con nuestro Dios.

El creador de todo lo que vemos y no vemos y que aunque no entendamos por que suceden las cosas confiemos en que El nos ama y nos espera con los brazos abiertos.

Mi salmo favorito en estos casos es el 103-1:2

“Bendice alma mia al Señor, y bendiga todo mi ser su santo nombre.

Bendice, alma mia, al Señor y no olvides ninguno de sus beneficios”…

Eso llena mi alma de ternura y aunque este triste o enojada o feliz, me hace bien y se que a Dios le agrada.

En este adviento estemos preparados con su palabra incorparada cada dia en nuestras vidas, de manera que bendiciendo obtengamos bendicion.

Amen. -

Worship - December 13, 2018

Photo by Dylan Mello

    The advent season has always held a special place for me when it comes to worship.  The ability to have reflection time and expectation has really grabbed a hold on me as each annual Advent season approaches.  Every year, I love waiting to hear and sing the specific hymns of Advent. The anticipation we experience each week in our services as we await the joy of Christmas brings me a sense of awe and wonder.  

    The main highlight of my worshipping experience is the Advent Lessons and Carols. No matter what church I’ve been in, each special service fills me with a feeling that is hard to describe.  A building filled with fellow worshippers exploring the meaning of the season is quite a sensation. Personally, this worship experience allows me to let go, listen to themes, the words, and attempt to find the message in front of us. A particular anthem, “Veni Domine”, stands out to me at this time of year.  The translated words are such, “Come, Lord, and do not delay. Visit us with your peace so that we can rejoice in your presence with hearts made pure. Come, Lord, and as a mother consoles her children, so shall you comfort us, and we shall see you and our hearts will rejoice.” I can’t help but see the imagery of these lines and how this captures many of the feelings of Advent.  I can see Mary holding the newborn Jesus, comforting his hunger, fears, and cries. And so, we turn in the same way to Jesus. We wait for the celebration of his birth to remember how we share and experience this love.

    Advent is a busy season for worshipping.  There is much time spent looking ahead to the planning of Christmas and all that entails.  I think it is important to slow down and recognize the importance of this waiting. We are waiting to rejoice in the celebration of Jesus and the peace and love that he brings.  We can remember why we have four Sundays of the season, why we light the candles each week, and how refocusing our efforts can bring us back to a place of solace.

Post by Dylan Mello

Pray - December 12, 2018

Photo by Mike Corey

I’ve lived away from family for many years, so rare is the Christmas that I get to spend time with them; some years they make the trip to Connecticut, other years we make the trip to the Midwest. Holiday plans take a lot of work – travel, food, gifts, decorations, making the guest room ready, tidying up for company. And then add the usual seasonal issues – endless Christmas music (even though it’s Advent), our stress meeting the stress of others, and perhaps end of year job duties. This is the Advent many of us know; a season to prepare, stress out, and worry that all will be ready; and we tend to put this all on ourselves, and sometimes above what is important.

As I think of Christmas’ past with family, I recall that all the stuff swirling around – the travel, food, gifts, decorations, guest rooms, and cleanliness of the house are not the things I cherish. It was moments connecting with family and friends, sometimes even strangers…or friends I hadn’t met yet. It was the conversations, the laughter, the joy, the love. It was hearts being open to one another. Sometimes healing happened, other times great thanksgiving, and each time lives were drawn closer together.

We’re in the season of preparing, not just for family and friends, but for Emmanuel, God with us. We busy ourselves with so much. But, in all the busyness, are we taking time to preprayer? Are we taking time each day to pause and make room in our heart for the real blessings of the season? For God, for Christ, for the Spirit, for those we will soon see, and the gifts of joy and love.

Before we know it, we will be in the Christmas season, then Epiphany and so on. The rushing, buying, traveling, cleaning, decorating are not the things that will be cherished between us and our loved ones; it will be those moments when we connect in love with those in our lives with whom God has blessed us. The moments of God with us as we are with one another.

God wants a connection with us too, beyond Advent wreaths, calendars, and hymns. God wants a connection that opens our heart for the love of Christ soon to be with us. God wants us to stop the rushing for just a moment and share our laughter, joy, thanksgivings, concerns, worries, stress; all that lights up our heart…and that clutters our heart.

As we recall the true blessings of this season we find with one another, may we also take time to prepare through prayer with God so we are ready for the greatest gift of all, the love of Christ.

Post by Mike Corey

Learn - December 11, 2018

Photo by Bill Burkhart

I’ve been in school for the last 6 years. Occasionally I try to convince myself that it would be better (easier, more fun, less controversial) to return to being spiritual but not religious rather than a practicing Christian. I have failed miserably. Entering into a tradition of prayer, Bible reading, church-going and communion has changed not only me but the very context of my life. It has changed what frames my life in ways that simply being open and available for spontaneous spiritual experience could not. (Come to think of it, I should re-center myself around a regular yoga practice. I really should. I know I’d be happier, healthier, more in tune with myself and spiritually revitalized if I did. But Christianity is something else again.)  Practicing Christianity has given me not just a newly refurbished or reinforced center but a new story.  Who I am and who I am meant to be is re-shaped by this story and yet, oddly I feel more like myself as a result. I am not simply re-centered but reframed in something greater than myself that simultaneously makes me more available.

Participating in this story requires first of all a suspension of disbelief. This is the open attitude Aristotle recommended for appreciating a play. And guess what: I’m good at that. I like plays! But it turns out, I am not just watching this play. I am in it. This requires an act of the imagination and an embrace of risk more than an act of faith. To tell the truth, it’s more like my experiences in improv dance and comedy than my childhood experiences of “going to church”.  I have chosen to live my life within the framework of a passion play whose story I won’t ever completely understand and whose ending I can’t control. My particular lines have not yet been written. I will have to figure them out as I go along but they require that I be authentic. Playing my part makes meaning for me and other people so it is important that I tell the truth. Other texts and other plays are always involved. Christianity isn’t the only drama that matters. But it is the story I have chosen and that has chosen me.

I suppose in a way I am still spiritual but not religious in the sense that being religious is not my goal. Living in the story of Jesus is. If anything, this commitment has made my critique of religion much sharper.

My participation is a choice.  After all, I could always leave the stage. The play is the thing.  But it is my job to make it matter that I stay.

*

What story shapes your life?

How are you shaped by the stories you tell yourself or the stories other people tell about you?

Do you think of yourself as smart and successful?

As lost and confused?

As victim or victimizer?

As privileged or oppressed?

Take a moment.

Tell the truth.

Pause

         *

Now, consider this: would you be interested in backing up and finding yourself in a larger story?

A story where it is revealed that you are always both?

     *

I kill Jesus every day.

And I await his resurrection.

This is the story of hope because it is true.

                            *

Learn (for the practically inclined)

Open your BCP.

Don’t have one?

Borrow one from church next week and bring it home with you.

(If asked what you are doing with a BCP under your arm, you can blame me.)

Or find it online here: https://www.bcponline.org

Find Daily Office Lectionary in sidebar menu and click on it

(p. 937 in actual Book)

Now Click on Advent

Scroll down to week of 2 Advent, Year 1

That’s today.

Find Tuesday

Read one of these

Psalm 26 and 28

Isaiah 5:13-17

I Thessalonians 5:1-11

Luke 21:29-38

A link to the Bible is right there!

https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/r/rsv/rsv-idx?type=DIV1&byte=4782437

Ponder, wander, free associate.

There is no official interpretation.

Just a doorway to reflection.

The BCP is a tool for prayer and faith exploration FOR YOU at home alone

not just a means of making community in church

or a complicated service manual for priests.

This is what I have learned.

Steal this book.

Make it yours.

Amen.

Post by Mary Barnett