Goodness Weekly 12.19.22
‘“What day is it?” asked Pooh.
‘It’s today,’ squeaked Piglet.
‘My favorite day,’ said Pooh.”
― A.A. Milne
Message from Jess:
Have you ever watched a young child open a gift?
My unwrapping commentary has sounded like:
“No silly, don't play with the box!”
“Yes the wrapping paper is shiny but look at the toys!”
“Don’t you want to open something else now?”
But a young child opens a gift in a special way. They hold a box with such wonder and look at each facet of it—the way the paper reflects light, how the ribbon feels in their hands, or what it’s like to put the box over their head.
There is an abundance in children, especially when it comes to time. They explore without expectations of what things should be and can experience pure joy for what things are in the moment.
Our prayer posture from this week is accept.
Accept as a gift whatever comes or does not come.
Accept and let be what is.
Accept the infinity of God’s presence
Present whether or not
You are aware.
I confess I have not lived in this posture, but instead approached many of my days with assumption and expectation—two things that hinder wonder and joy. I have been afraid of the future, absent from the present, and controlled by the past.
I don’t know if this is true of you, too, but I do know that this is not what it looks like to live as free and flourishing people who proclaim the goodness of God.
And so, as we move into the end of this year, I invite you to join me in considering how you are being called to a shift in posture and perspective.
How have you been inspired by the courage of Mary, and the faithfulness of Joseph, and the wisdom of Elizabeth?
How have you been moved by the God who broke through heaven and earth to be right here in the mess of all of this with you?
May we be the people that will hold this time, each day, as a precious gift to be opened, not something to be endured, and may we have the courage to accept it as it comes, knowing that God is right here in it with us all along.
What’s Good:
We had the best time at Parents Night Out!! We are so thankful to our Family Minister, Chelsea Stirman, and our volunteers who served these families not only from our community, but from the neighborhood as well. Our little humans enjoyed a Christmas filled night with crafts, games, and The Grinch movie. We can’t wait to have more nights like this for our parents and kids. Be on the lookout for more information to come!
Following our final Charis Advent worship of the season, we joined together in the courtyard for Christmas Caroling! As we enjoyed our cookies & cups of cocoa, the beautiful voices of our friends filled the air with Christmas cheer. Thank you to everyone who came out and spent this joyful time with us. Join us this Saturday, December 24th, at 4pm in the Sanctuary for our Christmas Eve service! All are welcome.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, December 24th, 4:00pm Christmas Eve Service
Tuesday, December 20th, 3-5pm Youth Group Christmas Party in the Fellowship Hall
Sunday, January 8th, 4:30pm Supper Church
Morning:
Today is the day that you have made and it is truly a gift
Help me to accept it with humble presence
God, I accept whatever comes or does not come
today and allow it to be what it is.
This time of year holds so many mixed feelings for me,
God and I know that you hold them with me.
My heart is grateful.
Amen.
Evening:
God I confess I’ve been wrapped up
in all of the busyness today
The shopping, the planning, the preparing
All my heart wants is you
And tonight I sit and breathe in your love
and know that your presence is my most precious gift
Amen.
