Dearly Beloved,
Christmas Eve is one short week away. I can feel the panic rising as I think about all the things I have yet to do: gifts to purchase, plans to make, cards to write, visits and phone calls to make. Whew!
But perhaps those things are not as essential as I think they are. I can't help but pause and wonder if, perhaps, the most important thing is breathing deeply and figuring out how to show up with presence and care and gentleness. Right here and right now. Perhaps what is most important is connecting with the people who mean the most to me and showing up with and for those who are hurting....
There are a couple of opportunities for us to stand in solidarity with our Jewish siblings, still reeling from the attacks in Australia where 15 people were murdered at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney. Chabad of Northern Colorado is offering public Menorah lighting events and is encouraging non Jews to attend in solidarity and care for our siblings. Those are:
Weds- 5:30 in Greeley at Ninth St Plaza at Ninth St and 9th Ave
Th- 5:00 in Loveland at the Loveland Museum
I'm so grateful for everyone who's helped ring bells or count money for Salvation Army, for socks donated for our annual sock drive, for Community Kitchen volunteers, and all the many and varied ways I don't even know about that you are showing up with compassion, generosity, care, and kindness for our neighbors.
I am reminded of one of the songs we've been singing this Advent season
Even in the midst of all of this,
trouble on the news, no peace within,
Still there is a light in the distance,
drawing nearer, drawing nearer.
So, open up our eyes to see your light,
open up our arms, they're clenched so tightly,
come in like a thief and steal our hearts
like a baby, like a baby.
Even in the midst of our own distraction and chaos, even in the midst of violence and crisis, even in the midst of illness, even in the midst of finals and stress, and even in the midst of all the fun and celebration and enjoyment, God draws near. God is drawing near.
I hope and pray that your eyes may be opened to see and feel God's light in the midst of whatever else is going on for you today and this week. I hope and pray that your arms may be opened to release all that you may be holding tightly. For Christ is coming, however fearful or brave, chaotic or calm, ready or not we are.
With much love and hopeful anticipation,
Thandiwe
Sneak preview: This Sunday, we'll hear the story of Mary's encounter with the angel, her time with her cousin Elizabeth and the song of praise that she sings to God (Luke 1:26-56). Mary's song echoes the one Hannah, the mother of Samuel (the priest who anoints King David) sings in the Hebrew Bible (1 Samuel 2:1-10).
