The new church year

Dear United Christian Church,


Did you know we’re not at the end of the year? The church calendar begins with Advent, so although it seems like we are at year’s end, we’re really at the beginning. Beginning the annual journey through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus with the season of Advent can be frustrating. Who wants to spend time in reflection and preparation when a new baby, angels, and wise men are just over the horizon?  But as any athlete or artist will tell you, time spent in preparation, practice, and review is important, even if you’ve been engaged in your endeavor for years.   


The themes of Advent are hope, peace, joy, and love. Each of these words can be used in many ways, but in terms of Advent, these words are not just theological concepts, they are words of action. As people of hope, peace, joy, and love we live as if the beloved community is real to all. We live boldly, extending a helping hand when one is needed. We turn the other cheek when people ridicule or scorn, refusing to waste time on petty concerns. We celebrate the accomplishments of everyone without jealousy or envy. We know that love is not sentimental, it is a word covered in the grime and grit of a life fully engaged. We live with integrity. We live honestly, admitting our flaws, pursuing growth, asking for forgiveness and seeking reconciliation. When we live as people of hope, peace, joy, and love we embody justice and mercy.    


This is all pretty heavy for the start of a new year! That’s exactly why we travel this same journey year in and year out. The path may be the same, but we will notice new signs along the way each time we pass.  We will carry certain thoughts, notions, beliefs some years, and set those aside on others.  Some years the journey is more difficult than others. The Advent pilgrimage takes us into the sometimes-painful work of spiritual growth. It takes us to the places where the answers are not easy, and decisions seldom fall in clearly delineated categories. Yet it is the discipline of annual reflection that leads us to spiritual maturity and helps us know that God is with us, that God loves us, and that peace and goodwill are for all people.    


May this season prepare you for the presence of Good News in your lives. During this time once called the Little Lent, I pray you take time to practice hope, experience peace, find joy, and know divine love even while wars rage and suffering is all around. Even in the bleak mid-winter, the Light of God shines. 


Rev. Janet Maykus