Jan Richardson has a poem in which she speaks of a blessing of sanctuary...of being welcomed in, but that this blessing will not "leave you alone, or let you linger in safety." That is, this blessing, full of grace and love, will eventually ask something risky of you. Even during this season of peace and goodwill, and in the Biblical story of the nativity, there is the presence of danger, calling for the family of Jesus to make difficult decisions. That is what love must do.
In the Advent biblical text for Sunday, John the Baptist appears once more, calling for his hearers to take specific actions of repentance. Everyone is to be generous with their discretionary funding. Roman soldiers were told not to extort others by threat, and tax collectors were to not to collect more than required. Repentance is shaped by the life experience of the one repenting. Those who do so are to “risk” arranging life differently. In every case, the costly action opens the way for a deeper experience of the Spirit.
This is what we will be talking about this Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Advent, the last Sunday before Christmas. The sermon is titled, “The Advent Practice of Faithful Action,” arising from Luke 3: 7-18. Claire Tafoya, Lisa Kurz, and Stephanie Conklin, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will sing John Rutter’s “Nativity Carol”. We will sing carols, pray and have a moment for children, and we will light the Advent Candle.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person (Please wear masks) or joining on the live stream at www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!