Dear Friends,
Advent ’tis the season when we might be found talking to the star(s).
This Advent I’ve been reading my way through the poetry of Boulder poet, of blessed memory, Andrea Gibson. They wrote: “I started talking to the stars in the sky instead. I said, ‘Tell me about the big bang.’ The stars said, ‘It hurts to become.’”
“It hurts to become.” The story of the incarnation, the birth of Jesus, is certainly a powerful reminder of those words. A few weeks ago in worship Charlotte said: “to love is to suffer.” Yes.
Maybe we should celebrate Christmas in mourning shawls and black suits. But we don’t. Because in the midst of the suffering, frustrations, and pain of this world and of living, there is also joy. And what symbolizes that better or more powerfully than the birth, the presence, of a child?
Tuesday night the Trustees gathered to celebrate their year. What was the highlight (and there is a lot they had to celebrate)? It was the presence of the chairperson, Cheryl Bort’s, grandchild, Enzo. Enzo spent the hours we had moving from arms to arms, bringing joy, delight and rest to all who had the privilege of holding on to him for a few minutes (like me!).
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, let’s gather in the joy and strength of one another. Let’s lift our voices in familiar carols. Let’s laugh and hold babies and love on another. There is enough pain and suffering in this world already. And there is plenty of joy, as well. Let’s share it. Together.
Keep tellin’ the Story,
Mike
This is an a cappella version of Mary Chapin Carpenter’s, “Come Darkness, Come Light” at Arlington Temple United Methodist Church in Arlington, Virginia in December of 2013. One of the gifts of this season is listening to people in communities and congregations coming together to lift their voices together in song. Come join us this Sunday and on Christmas Eve!
This week’s takeaway: Though “it hurts to become,” we encourage you to find ways to nurture, encourage and share joy with one another.