Sunday, December 22, 2013

Dear God,

Gathering with pilgrims just like myself, those whose hearts beat with you, those who long to be near you, those who seek the creator of the cosmos, and those who gather to say thank you poured into the parking lot.  The church in all its finery, the beautiful poinsettias, Christmas trees bedecked with ornaments that tell your story, and glowing candles all spoke the powerful message of your love as we stepped into St. Luke's United Methodist Church.  As we sat in the pew listening to the orchestra play, who could not feel the expectancy in the air of Emmanuel, God-with-us?

When the women's chorus stood to sing, tears welled in my eyes as I remembered a sacred dance offered to you many years ago to the same song, Breath of Heaven.  I let them slip and fall as my heart opened wide allowing your spirit to enter.  But it was when a young girl stood on a box at the pulpit and read your story that the whole congregation took notice leaning forward to hear the prized words of faith.  So moved were we all that we clapped at the hearing of the Word made flesh.

Advent makes you so visible to us, Compassionate God.  How grateful I am to be in your company this season.

Wondrous God,
once again,
fill us
with your mystery.
Stir within us;
make your way plain
as we struggle
to make sense
of a world
gone awry.
Cause us
to pause,
to listen,
and to surrender
into your
glorious hands.
Make us carriers
of your name,
your message,
and your love,
I pray.

Love, Andrea