now i see red . . . in advent!

 
 

one of the odd things that happened when we refreshed our sanctuary last year was the color scheme changed, and now the various purples that we have for advent are all wrong.  it's a terribly 'first world' problem to have . . . . what to do, what to do!

so, we discovered red!  and now i see RED in advent, not purple.  but, ya know, i think i'm growing fond of it.  we've decorated the sanctuary in a simple way; tree and wreaths, some banners, the nativity and the advent wreath.

our gift for ministry which arrives today is a new piano; and with that new piano, we have an idea in mind to extend our sanctuary into the community.  we're very excited about the possibilities!

so on this day of the celebration -- the festival of lights -- i've made sure to include the image in my home.  the parsonage, where 'the parson' lives, has a beautiful picture window, that is just perfect for either a tree (did that last year!) or candlelight (did that this year!)  the light provides a warm glow which reminds me each time i return home at night, that this is the season to extend hope, peace, joy and love into the world.  don't you just love flameless candles with timers?!  they are my new love!

as i sit in my office, another storm of the season is fast approaching.  after years of drought, we have had a goodly amount of rain, and i'm not tired of it yet!  and, a gentle reminder that we don't have enough water to be wasting any, so, be mindful of your care for water!

for those of you who know i've nearly always got my pedometer on me for virgin health (or is it FROM virgin health) . . . no matter, my point is, i participated in their 'turkey trim' event that lasted about 14 days over the thanksgiving holiday and into advent.  and for those sports fans keeping score, i placed 245th out of the 2,700 +/- participants.  our colleague judson placed as one of the 1st place participants; he and i are also participating in the 'daily challenge' for your health.  i have to say, this health stuff is gonna kill me!

i may not get back to my blog before year's end, so i want to share a couple of reflections from the advent/christmas letter is shared with the congregation.  feel free to substitute your spiritual understanding for the word/concept 'christian'.  this season has a focus, and it isn't on the shopping!!!  may these thoughts guide you on your journey as you help to share hope, peace, joy and love with everyone you meet -- and even those whom you do not know . . . .

"the coming of advent jolts us out of the ordinary with the invasive news that it's time to think about fresh possibilities for deliverance and human wholeness."  (patricia e. dejong).
"all of us, men and women, are included in mary's and eizabeth's time of expectancy, calling us together in partnership with god in god's plan for this world . . . .  we are all uniquely made in the image of god, meaning that we are to see god in one another and are called to say yes to justice for all." (trisha lyons senterfitt)
"if we are paying attention, we recognize too that god is in the ordinary moments of our life -- in the making of lunches and the folding of laundry, in daily kisses good-bye, in the moment when we look into the eyes of one whom the world considers unlovely at best and unworthy of notice at worst.  it is why we aim to live the christian life by not only talking about it or thinking about it, but by doing it -- why our prayers are not only those of the heart, but those of the hands and feet." (Kimberly bracken long)

for those looking for a christmas eve service, and for those who are curious about what christmas eve is all about, we welcome you to join us as we celebrate: wednesday evening, december 24th, at 7 pm.  www.umcsantacruz.org

the picture, below, depicts what happens after a storm here on the coast; this was the beautiful depiction of the sky from our parking lot.  how fortunate i am to share this time with you!  blessings to your celebrating and your sharing and your receiving . . . love!