December 2024

Praying over our team going to NC in mission.

Tuesday morning, November 5, our team of 7 from John Knox gathered with the staff and volunteers at Grace Covenant Presbyterian in Ashville, NC. Lines had already formed outside of people waiting to enter the church for much needed supplies, support, and help with rent following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. In this pause before the doors opened, the pastor asked the 30 of us to introduce ourselves and share a word of encouragement, something to lift the spirit.

I recall sitting on the floor and taking in the names and the words shared. These were individuals who had been in the thick of it over the past month mobilizing, blessing, advocating, caring, and somehow, though spent, they shared the most beautiful collection of words, phrases, and convictions to bolster weary spirits. It was as if the words were not just familiar in sound but essential in meaning.

What do you need to hear this Advent season? What word of truth will stay with you and bolster your weary spirit? What guiding word will orient you on this winding way?

In our post-election environment of much uncertainty and remaining division, what word will you share that will not cater to hostility or suspicion or fear. What word is with you that is not just familiar in sound but essential in meaning? Will you share it so another can receive hope, peace, joy, and love for their Advent journey?

Remember, you are not alone. We are together on this winding way. Jesus, the light of the world is coming. Hope dawns and love is born, again and again.

Tom 

“The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before… So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running.  For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon.”” —Jan L. Richardson, artist