Pastoral Reflection

The snow finally arrived this week (a little bit of it, anyway) and with it our shift into the season of Advent and Christmas. Ready or not, here it comes! Our worship over these next weeks is drawn from a resource called A Weary World Rejoices. There was something about this title and theme that spoke to us as pastors. The line comes from the carol, “O Holy Night”, of course – one of the most dramatic and soaring in our Christmas repertoire. “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” It’s a moving image, which I suspect catches something for many of us. The weariness of the world feels so clear and present – both on the bigger stage of global conflict and politics and in our particular day-to-day experiences of life and death. What could manage to bring the weary to rejoice? What could inspire a thrill of hope in all who feel drained and discouraged? The promises of our Advent waiting come as hints and as gifts. We imagine a long-suffering world letting loose in celebration. We imagine a hope that already gives life even in anticipation. We await the birth of one promised long, in whom the fullness of God’s love touches down right where we need it. Thanks be to God.

Our Advent resources this year draw from materials prepared by Kate Bowler.  She has also created a daily devotional resource for the season that invites us into these themes more deeply.  You are welcome to access it here: A Weary World Rejoices - Daily Devotional Guide

-          Kevin Derksen