It is so easy in our world to forget that community is a catalyst to help each person flourish. Created by God, we do not exist solely for our individual gain; we have been created to be in relationship with our neighbor. The scandal in this is simple: We cannot choose our neighbor, for every person around the globe is part of our extended community.
As we move toward the manger and prepare for the birth of God’s earthly ministry in the person of Jesus Christ, our neighbor, my thoughts wander to the diversity of neighbors. We all have needs and are saddled with the weight of our collective humanity, and Isaiah 40 makes one thing clear — prepare the way — not for ourselves but for our neighbors and indeed for the very presence of God.
Every year the Christmas Joy Offering, one of the Churchwide Special Offerings of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), prepares the way to bring hope through education and emergency assistance. The Church is committed to this not for our own sake, but for the sake of our neighbors so that every person might know the very real presence of God. These simple tasks of providing transformative education and caring for those who have cared for others prepare the way for someone else to feel God’s love anew, especially in life’s most tender moments. As I prepare my heart for the coming Christ child, I will keep others at the forefront, for my faith is nourished when the way is prepared for all of us to live in the wholeness of God’s love.
Rev. Wilson Kennedy, Associate Director, Stewardship and Funds Development, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff:
Kyle Nolan, Ministry Relations Officer, Development Office, The Presbyterian Foundation
Matthew Nurkin, Vice President & Managing Director, Investments, The Board of Pensions
Let us pray:
O God, as we live this day, help us prepare the way for your Son, Jesus our Christ. May we await his coming with wonder, prepare for him with joy, and serve you more closely this day and every day. Amen.
