Pastors Pen Reflection

 "Dum spiro, spero: While I breath, I hope."

 Dear <<Name>>
    The meaning of Advent is the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. Advent celebrates the mystery of the Word made flesh. Advent season is celebrated during the four weeks before Christmas and it invites us to prepare for the birth of Christ.  We prepare by focusing on the reason for the season; of course, we know that the birth of Christ is the reason.

Over the years I found Advent and Christmas to be seasons where I seek more to understand about the mysteries of God. There are, of course, questions. The immaculate conception and people wandering by the stars. But even with the presence of mystery I find comfort in knowing that with the birth of the baby the world will forever be changed. The renewed hope for me comes, I think, in the mystery of God. Seeking and drawing nearer to the possibilities of God and drawing on my own experience with the radical and life changing ideas of God.

I am reminded of the power of inclusion in the stories of the mysteries of our faith.  I believe there were lgbtq people throughout history hidden in the pages of scripture. I still believe it is important for us to keep imagining ourselves in the stories because, so many people want to keep us out. Imagining us in the stories helps keep us closer to God. After all God has always been radical in the ways in which love, faith and hope has been personified. Look at Mary, Jesus, John the Baptist and so many others.

So how can we honor our faith and our sexuality with our service to God?  The gift of who God created us to be is, I believe, one of the greatest gifts we have to give. Coming out of our spiritual closet to live fully as God created us to live, whether straight or gay, is not the issue. The issue is living as people of faith, regardless. Living fully into who God has created us to be is how we can honor God and let our light shine. When we do this, we make a powerful difference. Maybe that is the notable thing for us as we explore what Advent truly is.  I can think of no better time to allow our light to shine than now. Renewed with the promise of the coming Messiah. The one who knows us, who created us, who had the conception of who we are, even before we did! Now that is an Advent I can live for.

Blessings
In Christ Rev Terri