As we anticipate and celebrate a God that breaks into our world, a God that draws us near, and draws near to us, “Where has God come near you?”
Monday, December 07, 2020


For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

I was on one of my runs recently and trying to conquer a particularly large hill. I must have been huffing and puffing, because a walker on the trail stopped and shouted “You’ve got this!” I was surprised how these three words of encouragement helped me make it up that hill, with a smile on my face!

I watched the conversation recently between women Pastors in the Metro D.C. and Delaware-Maryland Synod as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of ordaining women, 40th anniversary of ordaining women of color, and the 10th anniversary of LGBTQIA+ individuals being free to serve in the ELCA. In the telling of their stories, each and every one mentioned an individual who had offered words of encouragement or votes of confidence along their journey. Despite the hills they encountered, the boulders in the middle of their path or the streams they had to ford, they remembered the individual words of encouragement they received, and these words made a difference. Through these words, God was near.

We are called into community--to help each other when the going gets tough, to pray for others who can’t find the words, and to rejoice together. We are not called to be alone, but called to be the body of Christ; to be the hands and feet of Christ for each other here and now.

You may be the one called this day to reach out to another. Don’t ever underestimate the importance of even the smallest act. If you feel that nudge by the Spirit, reach out. Do it today!

If you’re the one who needs the strength of another or the prayers lifted up for you, let someone know. Whether you tell a family member, a pastor, or a dear friend – reach out. The community of Christ is here. For you.

Dear and gracious Lord, We give you thanks for the words of encouragement and the people who have shared our joys with us and reached out to us in our dark times. Lay upon our hearts those we need to care for this day. Help us to be your hands and feet. Amen.

Karen Boda