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Recently a new member stood and spoke about a new initiative. Light for the Darkness acknowledges that not everyone comes into the holiday season with bells on. Some of us are struggling with depression. Some are coping with stress. Still others have PTSD. This group meets people where they are and helps them see that they are not alone in how they are feeling.
This was a good reminder for me. I adore Christmas. A-DORE. The trees. The lights. Sacred music. Nativities.
But I also have a friend with clinical depression. She finds Christmas difficult, as if she’s being told she has to be joyous.
I have a cousin who is a recovering addict. Family time can be a trigger for many people.
Yesterday as Pastor Sean preached about John the Baptist it struck me that the Christmas story was the ultimate call to come as you are. Why did this come to me during a sermon on John the Baptist? I have no idea. These are what Pastor Sean calls God moments. It is what I needed to hear and when I needed to hear it.
Perhaps it is also what one of you needs to hear. In the Christmas story, we have:
Shepherds
These men worked outside. They were the low. They were working when Christ made his appearance. They were the first on the scene. Some might say they were early.
Angels
What divas! Here we have a group of guys going about their work, a small family trying to get the baby to sleep, and WHOA. What’s all that singing? But they were there to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. And nothing was getting in the way.
The Wise Men
The last two arrive on the scene, the wise men are posh and wealthy. They bring great gifts. But strife also follows them around.
I don’t know about you, but this sounds like a family get together. A little bit of everyone is there.
Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ. As we prepare, as we celebrate, there is room for us all. Come as you are. You are welcome as part of Christ’s family.
–SueBE
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