CHRISTIE:
Dear Advent,
Welcome. Honestly.
I’ve waited all year for your reminder of Immanuel: “God With Us.” Your reminder is the best part of this cold, rainy, hectic season.
And yet, I’m not ready to get into the mood of Christmas. Yes, honestly, I need your help. Please bring me your reminders—among all the bustle and extra work tasks and holiday parties and responsibilities—that He is here.
Jesus joined humanity as One of US. God loves us enough to take on all our human messiness—and I mean messiness.
Honestly? Is it really possible that God supports people and embraces us enough to have become human?
ADVENT:
Honestly, I say yes! What the Gospels say is true. Jesus became flesh.
Not only can you believe it, you can be encouraged by it. It can give your days meaning and your body strength to keep on thriving. Your Creator came to a little town in the midst of the earth’s Mediterranean lands and cultures, at the crossroads of many peoples, to live in solidarity with all people and show us what God’s love looks like.
He is also your redeemer, which we will talk about soon. His love is Empathy in Action, honestly, just like you saw for yourself this last Sabbath as you and other human families packed backpacks for the least among you.
CHRISTIE:
And I’m glad I was a part of that and got to see it, Advent. It was worth noticing. The cold outside is a reality this time of year, but you showed us a way to help homeless teenagers survive it. You helped us notice them. Thank you.
ADVENT:
You’re welcome. And thanks for being honest, my child. You are learning about why Christ voluntarily walked with men, women, and children. He loves people and, together, you and your fellow church members are learning to love people too. Thank you.
CHRISTIE (through tears):
Thank you, Advent, for breaking into our lives. I already needed you in November, and way before all this season’s hustle, but you come, and that makes all the difference. Honestly.
Christine Cales, a fourth generation member of the La Sierra University Church, loves the way our church acts on what we believe, loving our neighbors with more than just words. She is grateful to be part of Journey Sabbath School. She is also very fond of Faculty and Friends Sabbath School, which meets outside her office, where she works during the week as the director of planned giving at La Sierra University. It was their warmth and welcome that first drew her into church life.