H2odevos eots 121611 Christmas Countdown
I was making a home visit on Wednesday (yes, pastors still
do that). In fact, my colleague Pastor Ruth Ann
and I attempt to see all the incoming 7th graders to our
confirmation program. Each year that amounts on average to be about 35-40 young
people. So, this is something that we desire to do as we share with the
students, their parents, their siblings and even pets, the approach we take to
faith formation.
Our partners in this venture are a wonderful group led by
Dr. Paul Hill and his colleagues called VIBRANT FAITH. Their website is http://vibrantfaith.org - I encourage you to
check it out.
So, I was visiting a
student by the name of Grace, how cool is that? She has a sister named Mia. As
they were treating me in the kitchen to cookies and some warm coffee I saw
their countdown calendars up on the wall. Their parents, Angela and Charlie are
doing a good job! The message of the calendars is CHRISTMAS IS…
CHRISTMAS IS A COMING!
As Peter sings, “once again the story begins bringing good
news in the night.”
On Tuesday, I visited Annette. She was baptized at Bethany
many years ago. In fact, she is the oldest living member of our church who was
baptized at our church. I believe if memory serves me correct that she was born
in 1917. At one time she was very good with her hands and made lots of gifts of
counted cross-stitching and embroidery. The following picture is of one of her creations that currently hangs in
our library at church.
It’s a quotation from Isaiah 40:31,
31but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
It’s all about waiting. And while we are “counting down” the
days, maybe it’s also a good time to be “counting up” the ways we can let light
and love shine around us.
Deck the halls,
rtg
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