I just finished addressing the Christmas cards, an annual ritual of the Advent season in our home. Each year I wonder whether this will be the last year that I spend the time pouring over a list of names and addresses that I have maintained meticulously throughout the year. It takes lots of energy to maintain that list and to hold all those people in my heart. Our list has names of family members and friends--both near and far--who have been with us over many years. Though we seldom see them, yet these are people who have shaped our spirits. I cherish the memories as I address each envelope and sign each card. A prayer ascends as the ink is applied and dries. I remember the relationship in a profound way. I am anchored anew in great gratitude and love.
But, it also occurs to me as I write each address that this holy time summons me to build enduring relationships for today. Advent invites a new risk--the risk of relationship. When God came into Bethlehem's manger, an amazing risk was involved. Jesus was born a stranger in our midst. He didn't know a soul, yet came to save every soul, every life and every creature, all of creation. God risked a relationship of love. The Gospel prologue puts it this way, "He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God." My Jesus lives and dies with arms outstretched, reaching up, extending out for embrace--for relationship.
My prayer tonight is that someone somewhere will discover in me the outstretched arms of the Christ and know that his, her, our lives are not intended to be lived in loneliness and isolation. It's not really about the card, but the care--the openness to reach out, to be vulnerable, and to stay connected. The risk of relationship . . . I have seen it modeled well in a little baby, the Holy Child of Bethlehem. It is revealed in the God who always finds a way to be with us, to embrace us, and love us to new life.
Our God, come! Please come . . . soon!
But, it also occurs to me as I write each address that this holy time summons me to build enduring relationships for today. Advent invites a new risk--the risk of relationship. When God came into Bethlehem's manger, an amazing risk was involved. Jesus was born a stranger in our midst. He didn't know a soul, yet came to save every soul, every life and every creature, all of creation. God risked a relationship of love. The Gospel prologue puts it this way, "He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God." My Jesus lives and dies with arms outstretched, reaching up, extending out for embrace--for relationship.
My prayer tonight is that someone somewhere will discover in me the outstretched arms of the Christ and know that his, her, our lives are not intended to be lived in loneliness and isolation. It's not really about the card, but the care--the openness to reach out, to be vulnerable, and to stay connected. The risk of relationship . . . I have seen it modeled well in a little baby, the Holy Child of Bethlehem. It is revealed in the God who always finds a way to be with us, to embrace us, and love us to new life.
Our God, come! Please come . . . soon!
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