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Dear St. Augustine's 'ohana,
As we light the third candle of Advent this Sunday, we'll contemplate joy.
God yearns for us to experience joy, not simply as fleeting happiness, but as a full awareness of God's presence with and among us. In this holy season of waiting and anticipation, we're called to set aside time to pray, to seek the flow of Holy Spirit in our hearts, and to watch for Christ in those we encounter every day.
Are we setting aside the time and energy for an Advent relationship with our Creator? With not-so-joyful words, John the Baptist calls people on their complacency as he encounters those who behave as though they are above spiritual relationship-building.
In colorfully uncomfortable terms, John urges people to look inside their hearts and mend their ways. "Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Christ, the one who will show us the Way, is coming. And the need to prepare the way of the Lord—the need to watch for Christ's presence among us—is as pressing today as in Jesus' time.
Let's take time this season to come close to God, as God comes close to us. It's a big ask, but crucial to beginning our church year. Such introspection is not always joyful work, but it can bear joyful fruit.
With watchful eyes and prayerful hearts, where do we see Christ in our midst? Perhaps we meet Christ in the parent whose child fusses in the grocery store. A kind smile might bring them joy. Maybe we meet Christ in the harried shop clerk trying to help an unhappy customer. Our patience as we wait in line might bring them joy. We might meet Christ in the person standing alone at a holiday party. Engaging them in conversation might bring them joy. We may meet Christ in a family member who's stressed. Offering a hug and saying, "I love you" might bring them joy.
Advent waiting helps us remember that we meet Christ in all people. The joy of the season can be found in sharing God's love with the strong and weak ones, with the loud and quiet ones, with the prominent and invisible ones, with friends and strangers.
The love we share can help others so much more than we'll ever know. And love spreads! Love shared moves in sacred and mysterious ways and can profoundly affect many, including ourselves.
Even the smallest of loving gestures can make all the difference. Let us celebrate the joy in that!
Blessings,
Vicar Jennifer
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