December is upon us and all that has gone before is done. 2016 is creeping out and hopefully goes smoothly. This past week we noticed a visitor or two near the grounds that appeared to be helpful to the cause of property maintenance and clean-up. But in the end, the beaver or family of beavers that has knocked down a bunch of trees along the pond has also been closing up the spillways – potentially making a big mess. Sad that they will have to go at some point in time but glad they’ve been helping the cycle of life at St. John’s.
We’ve been looking at the season of Advent as a time of preparation. While, on the one hand, that is a good thing; yet on the other, considering we know the rest of the story (Jesus’ birth celebrated at Christmas and Easter) it is hard to truly prepare. Yet the gospel holds John the Baptist up as the prophet who tells Jesus’ story – the kingdom of Heaven has come near and prepare the way of the Lord. Not because God can’t prepare a way to come to us, but because we need to prepare a way for God to come so we see God’s presence. That is the preparation we are invited to do: prepare to realize the weight of God’s desire to actually be present with us and all creation – just as we are and just as we have been prepared.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12
0 Comments