This is a busy time of year. It is also a time of year when grief can surface. Take time for yourself. In the midst of the busy-ness of the holidays, take time to listen to yourself. Grieve that which you have lost. Sit with dreams that have gone by the wayside. Give yourself time to just be. And while you are being gentle with yourself, remember that others struggle this time of year as well and be gentle with those you meet too.

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In Luke 1, Gabriel visits Zechariah and Mary 6 months apart. Zechariah is filled with terror and he doubts Gabriel tells him. Mary however is perplexed when Gabriel says "Greetings Favored One." She asks questions that show curiosity. The difference in our approach can make all the difference.

I have always wondered how things just always seemed to work for my dad. He would tell stories of a variety of experiences, some that I was with him, or other family members were with him, and things worked. I am beginning to wonder if it was in part of his curiosity about the world and an attitude to try things. Perhaps he was living into his favor with God.

I wonder what happens when we live as favored ones?

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We are a society of instant gratification. We don't like to wait. I am okay with planned waiting where I know I have an hour or something like that and I can read or play games or whatever. But the long, expectant waiting of Advent is not what we want to do. We like instant gratification.

Zechariah and Elizabeth had been waiting. They had hoped for a child and I wonder if in their fervent prayers for a child, that they had ever given up hope as the years went by. I wonder if that is part of the shock of this news. If they had given up hope of a child and God has come in an unexpected way and at an unexpected time.

Where in your life have you had to wait unexpectedly? When have you continued to pray for something to come about? Have you lost hope in the waiting or have you continued to trust God?

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The season of Advent is a time of waiting as we listen once again to the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. This year I am preaching a series called On the Way to Bethlehem, which is written by Dr. Marcia McFee and based on a devotional book of the same title by Rob Fuquay. As we begin in Rome and a decree from Caesar Augustus - how can we ponder "What is God up to?"

It is a great question to ponder in our lives and for the world around us as we go not only through Advent, but throughout our days. What is God preparing to do and how might we join in that work?

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As we come to the week of Thanksgiving in the United States, I find that I am often forgetful of saying thank you. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul reminds the people to Give thanks in all things. I certainty forget to give thanks in the midst of hardship and trouble. But I forget to give thanks for the little every day things as well. My goal is to be thankful for the world and the people around me more intentionally, not just this week, but in all that I do and with all those I encounter from day to day. What would it look like for you to be more thankful?

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Hope is not about magical or wishful thinking. Hope is grounded in our trust of God and of God's goodness. Hope should help drive us to make a difference in the world and to be the hands and feet of God. Hope should be about getting to the places we have not yet gotten.
#Lamentations3 #Romans8 #Hebrews11

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Mr. Rogers Neighborhood premiered nationally in February 1968. The land of make believe was in turmoil as was the real world. For 30 years Fred Rogers helped children make sense of the world around them and he taught them ways to cope with changes. Being a neighbor was about caring for your community.

In this day and age we need to remember how to be neighbors. Luke 10 brings the parable of the Good Samaritan and the question who is my neighbor? Dr. Amy Jill Levine reminds readers in her book "Short Stories of Jesus" that this would have been a shocking story for those who were gathered. Perhaps we need a jolt once again as well.

Neighbors are those who are in need of mercy and compassion. Neighbors are those who see the humanity in others and reach out to care for people no matter who they are. Let us work to be good neighbors.

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With all the storms that have torn through our country, with all the election cycle angst, with all the pressure of the everyday world, we need some unbridled joy.
We keep a friend's dog from time to time. Piper is a year old miniature golden doodle. She is a ball of energy and a source of unbridled joy. She quite literally hops like a baby goat because she gets so excited. She is always up for repeated games of fetch, belly rubs, and snuggles. Piper is just excited to be with her people. We need some of that. In Proverbs we read "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed Spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22). Paul routinely writes to churches about joy. So how about we find ways to seek joy this week, we all could use it!

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