Tis the Season

I have shared before that there is no slow season of ministry. If you trick yourself into thinking summer is the slow season, you will be caught completely off guard by service-learning trips, Methodist conference season, annual programming plans, and clergy transitions. If you imagine that January’s post-holiday newness will be slow, you’ll miss all the fun of new year program and committee launches, Lent/Easter planning, wintry weather chaos, and statistical reporting.

The tasks and joys of ministry are abundant any time of year. December, though, is bursting at the seams with both tasks and joys. “‘Tis the season,” we say.

What makes December particularly rambunctious is that it’s the season for quite a number of things! Advent candlelighting and giant Christmas trees? ‘Tis the season. Viruses and ‘flu-like symptoms’ around every corner? ‘Tis the season.

Around here, ‘tis the season for Cassidy’s office to overflow with generous gifts from our congregation and Youngset Preschool, all for the families staying at the Path Home shelter.

‘Tis the season for end-of-year giving opportunities and the chance encourage the generosity of others toward our ministry projects and partnerships (look for a letter in the mail with more information on end-of-year giving and separate Christmas Eve Offering).

‘Tis the season to gather with strangers, friends, and family, through worship, fellowship in Collins Hall, ornament/book/cookie exchanges, sweater parties, and Christmas light looking.

‘Tis the season to remember all that has happened this year: the joys, the sorrows, additions and losses.

This is also the season for our visioning work to continue at full steam. An open house to provide feedback on a draft vision and set of core values will take place on December 22 at 11:30am in the Fireside Room.

Our scriptural traditions guide us closely in these days, reminding us that it is also the season for the world to be turned upside-down:

Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name.

He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.” (Luke 1:46-53, CEB)

‘Tis the season to recognize and lift up those who are considered ‘low status,’ whether because of education, economic work, race, country of origin, immigration status, age, marital status, or circumstance.

‘Tis the season to draw near to the humility of the Holy Family, setting aside our arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.

‘Tis the season to follow quietly in the wake of our Liberator and Light: the one who was supposed to be a mighty king sitting on a throne of domination, but who instead comes as a vulnerable child.  

‘Tis the season to rejoice with the confidence and clarity of the angels and shepherds, because at Christmas we learn again that God is with us.

‘Tis the season, my friends. What does this season bring into your life? I’d love to hear!

With anticipation this season,
Pastor Karyn