The Gift of Being Present - an Advent and Christmas Worship Series
Advent Two: Being Present with Peace
Advent can be filled with worry about finding the perfect Christmas gifts. Deep down we want people in our lives to know they are special and that we love them. But sometimes we overlook the greatest gift of all… our very presence. Our spiritual ancestors were also worried — often about survival in the midst of political occupation. And the response of the scriptures is “the Holy Living One is with you.” Like a shepherd who never leaves the flock, we are held close. This season, we are invited to be the gift of presence for our loved ones, for our communities, for those who need it most.
Preparing the way for new beginnings, fresh starts, a clear path, is a classic theme in the faith narrative and in our own lives. Life can contain many chapters. The Good News is that the Holy One is continually making a way for do-overs. In this we can find peace, even when life doesn’t feel so peaceful. This week we focus on what it means to be a gift of non-anxious presence for those who need it most.