Dear friends,
Lately I have been finding comfort and inspiration through the writings of Jan Richardson, whose poems most often take the form of blessings. She has a beautiful way of honoring pain, struggle, exhaustion and confusion while gently pointing toward healing, beauty, peace and hope. This week I happened upon one of her poems that reminded me of you, the people of Edwards Church. I share it with you as a gift of gratitude.
Blessed are you
who bear the light
in unbearable times,
who testify
to its endurance
amid the unendurable,
who bear witness
to its persistence
when everything seems
in shadow
and grief.
Blessed are you
in whom
the light lives,
in whom
the brightness blazes —
your heart
a chapel,
an altar where
in the deepest night
can be seen
the fire that
shines forth in you
in unaccountable faith,
in stubborn hope,
in love that illumines
every broken thing
it finds.
It has been a difficult month for our nation and our world. Throughout this time, I have been so grateful to be part of a community that longs to be a source of light. In the face of hate and distrust and fear, we keep trying to bring love and trust and courage to the world. Sometimes we know exactly what to do; other times we don’t. Always, our efforts themselves bring light to the world. What a gift it is to be among those who bear the light!
During the season of Advent, we wait for the birth of the one we call the Light of the World. As we wait, we light candles. Our Advent candles remind us that the shadows of hate and fear in our world cannot snuff out God’s light of hope, peace, joy and love. As we light them, we claim our calling to tend the light – to nurture hope, to cultivate peace, to rediscover joy, to choose love.
Our theme for the Advent season reflects that calling: “Tending the Light.” We will celebrate that we do not have to create light out of darkness. Instead, we will rejoice that God entrusts us with care for the light that God creates. We will reflect together on what that means in this world.
Along the way, we have some very special ways to celebrate the season:
- Debbie Gline-Allen will lead intergenerational worship on December 1.
- The Justice and Love in Action team will host a Gifts that Give Mini-Fair on December 8.
- On the Fence will lead music on December 15.
- There will be a holiday organ concert December 15 at 2 pm.
- Our Seeds of Grace Longest Night Service on December 15 will include music led by Willie Sordillo and friends.
- A brass quintet will bring extra joy to our worship on December 22.
- Our pageant will be on Christmas Eve at 5 pm.
- We will worship with candlelight, carols, poetry and prayer on Christmas Eve at 9 pm.
Peace, Debbie