Tis the season when amidst the cycles of our spiritual journey things begin to get real. When hopes and prayers take on flesh and blood. Tis the season we anticipate the arrival of Jesus. God incarnate within our very human reality.

In a season such as we are living through – deep divides between people and nations, war and acts of terror in many places, anger and violence on our streets –

It seems almost impossible spiritual and material things have much to do with one another.

But the apostle Paul reminds us first that because we are the desire of God’s heart, Jesus came among us. Love came down to restore and to renew.

So now we are to “let love be genuine; hate what is evil,
hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, and extend hospitality to strangers.”

(Rom. 12:9-12)

And so we wait and watch with anticipation for God’s presence to break out anew among us. We long for the love of God to warm us and to light us on our way.

But we also continue to act in this time of anticipation. We pray with our whole hearts, come Lord Jesus. Our prayers move us to action. Let our words and our acts become joined. Spiritual yearning and daily living intertwined. Come Holy Spirit, come, set our hearts afire, that all may know they too are your heart’s desire.

Make preparations! Proclaim the good news! Amen!

Blessed Advent to you all,

Pastor Lamont