Candee Calling… Dec. 9th
Dear Friends,
Once again, I feel as if it’s been a while since I’ve written. A week after Pastor Mike arrived, I took a vacation to visit my daughter, Courtney, in Michigan. However, less than 24 hours after arriving in Kalamazoo, I became very sick with bronchitis (COVID negative). Suffice it to say, my vacation time quickly turned into sick time and all the plans my daughter and I had made, would have to wait until another visit could take place. Yes, we were both disappointed and I, especially, was so frustrated that I couldn’t speed up the healing process. All I could do was “wait it out,” focus on self-care and imagine the day when I’d feel completely restored to health.
Advent is a time of waiting, watching, and preparing for the time when Christ will come again as he has promised. It’s a time of anticipation for all that will be while still living and being active in the present work of Christ’s Spirit dwelling in us today. I, must ask myself, how is it that the miracle of Christmas, of God coming into the world as a human being and our Savior, has made and continues to make a difference in me and in the world? What am I to do and most of all, “be” so that those around me will see more of Christ and less of me? Where might hope, peace, love and joy flourish and thrive in me for the sake of my neighbors near and far? Short days and cold, winter nights invite us into the mystery where we can just rest and be with the One who has created us and loves us more than we can ever imagine. And all our Lord asks is that we believe.
The entire 17th chapter of John’s Gospel is Jesus’ prayer for himself, his disciples and for all believers. Jesus said, “My prayer is not for them (disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23, NIV)
God has given us the best Christmas present we could ever hope to have – God’s own self in the person of Jesus Christ who has taken up residence in us for the sake of humankind and the world. Know that what the world needs most right now, is what God has already planted in our hearts to share – the hope, peace, love, and joy of Jesus Christ. I don’t know how God will work in each one of us individually and in community, but I do know this, that when we trust the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us, God’s will, will continue to be done. Let us never stop believing in the One who believes in us, resides in us, transforms us and has promised to never leave us.
To God be the glory!
Advent Blessings,
Pastor Candee