Day Two
Jennifer May-Anderson
Lay Preacher and Pulpit Supply
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Psalm 122
Genesis 6.1-10
Hebrews 11.1-7
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
- Psalm 122:1
It was a dreary fall day. You know the ones (if you live in the northern US or in Canada) grey, almost raining, windy and no sun. The perfect day for cuddling up on the couch to read or watch a movie. My husband turned to me when we woke up and asked, “Are we going to church today?” The thought of staying under the covers had crossed my mind, but when he asked that question, I just replied brightly, “We sure are – it’s good for us!”
I honestly had no idea whether or not it would be good for us. I was hoping it would be – especially since I had just promised Glenn it would. There was a chance the sermon could be boring, the music not to our taste, or just not an inspiring service. There was no guarantee that we would have a holy moment or draw closer to God during the service. Glenn rolled his eyes at me and said, “Fine, but I’m wearing jeans.”
We got up, dressed, and headed off to church. We don’t often get to sit beside each other in church. I’m usually preaching, filling in for ministers on vacation, or who are sick, or have been called away for some reason. As the service progressed we reached the Lord’s Prayer. We held hands and let the Holy Spirit settle on us as we and the congregation prayed the familiar words. At “amen” we were filled with a sense of peace. Glenn squeezed my hand and smiled at me. It was good for us. We left the service refreshed and refueled to re-enter the world.
So many things in our lives are steps of faith. Even going to church. We don’t always know if what we hope for is going to happen. In the busy-ness of life it can be hard to be certain of God’s company in our lives. We have to take the wise words of Hebrews 11:1 to heart - “To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.” During this Advent season we can be sure that there will be carols, decorations, lights, and gifts. But will we meet the baby in the manger? Will we experience the holiness of the stable? Will the commercialism and parties and baking and rushing push out Christ’s presence this Christmas? Will we have holy moment?
I don’t know. I know that it has happened for me every Advent. It happens sometimes unexpectedly, surprising me as I feel the divine around me. It doesn’t always happen in church, but it often does. It has happened when I’ve been sitting in the pews and when I’ve been behind the pulpit. I have to continue to approach the manger with a glad heart and a faith that I will find what I’m looking for there. I will keep on going to church. I will keep on going in life – being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see. I hope you will, too.
___
Holy One,This season is so busy. I feel the pressure of church obligations and responsibilities in the world. Help me to come to your house with a glad heart. Help me to realize that you are with me, always. Open my eyes to your holy moments in my life. Help me remember to be sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see. I ask this in Christ’s name. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment