Hello, Happy Friday and Happy Christian New Year, Revolutionaries,
My spiritual barometer is a gigantic canister of flour. Much of the time its abundance often reminds me that magical and nourishing transformations that create good things are possible (with the right ingredients). For my grandma, I am pretty sure it is cornmeal, and for my best friend growing up, it was a huge canvas bag of rice. As long as these staples are in the house, there is security, possibility and hope.
Around this first Sunday of Advent, my canister of flour falls short. As we start the new church year, I can’t help but wonder if we are going about this revolution in the right way, shouldn’t there be more progress by now? The protest signs under my bed from five years ago could easily be used now. Sadly, there are a few that fellow sojourners could have also used 100 or even 1000 years ago. Amidst all the Christmas cheer, the signs of where we are not (or have never been) as we should be are somber. Why is it that my hope always falters when people demand it of me? I run out of flour an hour before the company starts coming; isn’t it ironic (don'tcha think)?
Luckily, in Advent we are asked to watch and wait for signs of the Christ Child, not signs of destruction. Except, ironically, it is in these places of destruction that I am certain we are to look for Christ. Christ is in all of these places where generations have fought for justice. Christ is in the uprising. Christ is the child cooing and crying, demanding our attention and depending on our love. It feels like an impossible task, caring for this child when there isn’t even enough flour in the canister, but luckily, we are a village; none of us would ever have enough on our own, but together…
Since I last wrote you, much has been shared to hopefully help restore, feed and nurture you and yours this week.
[Photo credit: Alydia Smith]
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Weekly Micro Blogs Featuring the art work of The Rev. Maria Christina Conlon and the photography of The Rev. Richard Choe is available on Round the Table blogs and our Facebook page.
[Image credit: © Maria Christina Conlon]
Weekly Seeds and Sermon Seeds
Visit UCC.org for bible study, evocative quotes, and sermon starters by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay.
Daily Prayers Starting this Sunday join us for daily prayers written by GC44 Youth Forum delegates on Facebook.
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
New This Year
Blue Christmas Worship Service and Promotional PosterA worship service (including reflection notes) for those who have suffered loss prepared by David Sparks. We also have prepared an advertising poster that you can download and customize for your community. We also have a poster to advertise your Christmas Service.
Christmas Sunday ServiceA complete Christmas Sunday service by David Sparks can also be found here.
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
In Case You Missed it...
Intercultural Hymn SingDon’t forget about the Advent Intercultural Hymn Festival prepared by Bruce Harding, which includes musical settings of two carols not in our current hymn collection.
Advent Communion Service A beautiful Advent communion liturgy by Rev. Dr. Andy O’Neil that uses expansive language.
The Good News Story Advent Unwrapped Sunday School A four week Sunday school outline for Advent with links to crafts and coloring sheets.
Advent Mixtape This is my personal advent playlist from a few years back, I would love to know what is on your play list!
I wish you all the best as we start this advent journey together. Drop me a line if you have something that you want to share (sharing means caring) or ideas for resources that would be helpful.
Until then, I will be waiting with you,
Alydia |
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