Love has come and never will leave us!
Love is life everlasting and free.
Love is Jesus within and among us.
Love is the peace our hearts are seeking.
Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas.
Love! Love! Praise to you, God on high!
-Love Has Come (ELW 292) verse 3
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!
Reflection. What first comes to mind when you see this word? The painting (photo) is an exercise in reproducing a reflection, in this case, the sun and clouds and trees shimmering in the river. I’ve learned that to paint a reflection is to try and reproduce what is being reflected, but not too perfectly. The painted reflection needs to give the idea of the water (or other reflective surface).
Maybe, when you saw the word, reflection, you thought of its other meaning: “serious thought or consideration.” For many of us, the end of the year is a time to reflect on “what was,” while also thinking about what “can be” in the coming year.
In this, I see a connection between the two meanings of the word. You see, our memories are not perfect, so when we think of what happened (maybe an event or a time period) we are remembering more of what is a reflection off a surface than the actual thing. What we remember ranges from vivid, to large details only, to something a bit blurry that only offers a glimpse of what was. Sometimes the best memories are contained in those blurry glimpses.
In reflecting on the past year at Our Redeemer, I am thankful for the memories that range from the vivid to the blurry. I think of standing outside the church, offering ashes to all who come; I remember our Easter Vigil, especially singing “Were You There?” around a fire to start the service; in the summer we started our weekly Word and Prayer; and then the fall was intense with some continuing education in St. Louis and Chicago. My most vivid and favorite memories are of Advent. I love how the congregation uses a worship service to decorate for Christmas. And then having people over to our house for Christmas Caroling on the porch is a highlight.
In all my memories of the past year, I can see how the words of the song ring true, “Love is Jesus within and among us.” My hope and prayer for you all is that you recognize Jesus within and among us, and that you are able to share your own stories of what you see. Where did you see Jesus most vividly in the past year? What were you doing when you knew his presence but maybe cannot describe it in detail?
As you think about the past year, what thoughts do you have for what’s next? As we share our own stories of how Love Has Come, how might we share those stories with our neighbors? Love is this great gift that we receive each and every day. It is also a great gift that we are invited to give away, and in the giving, we receive it anew.
I would love to hear your stories.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Nancy
