December 12, 2021 - Advent Week 3


 

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3: It’s interesting how the human condition has not really changed over the centuries since Paul wrote to the Church of Thessalonica, asking them to stand firm in truth regarding the second coming of Christ, rather than being easily distracted by false teaching or information. If anything, this need to stay grounded in our faith, scripture, prayer, and worship is even more challenging than it was in Paul’s time.

 

I heard the other day, “You can find anything you want on the internet,” and have spent considerable time contemplating the far-reaching implications of this statement. Whatever your thoughts about current newsworthy situations in the world, whether it’s climate change, Covid, the plight of refugees, the opioid crisis, you can find information to back up your opinion on the internet. It’s easy to start off reading a news article, but by clicking a few links, we can quickly end up reading false information that seems true. As in Paul’s time, we need to guard against false teaching and information that is presented in the guise of truth.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17: Fortunately, God doesn’t abandon us on our journey through perilous times. While we have faith, scripture, prayer, and worship, we also have brothers and sisters in Christ to walk our journeys and to share one another’s burdens. We need to encourage and support one another as we walk our Christian journey.

 

Focusing on the Holy Sacraments in the past few months, as I’ve been working with Muriel on creating a church banner, has given me a look into God’s truths and some of the tenants of our faith. The Holy Sacraments include baptism, the eucharist, confirmation, ordination, marriage, penance/reconciliation, and unction of the sick. As I have worked on each one, I have spent time thinking that these sacraments speak great truths and are foundations of our faith. They are outward, visible signs of an inward, invisible grace. When we find ourselves wandering or tempted to wander down questionable roads, it’s helpful to come back to scripture, prayer, worship and to the Holy Sacraments to find God’s truth.

 

The music I selected, I Call Him Lord, by the Collingsworth family, speaks of the many ways we know Christ, by different names and roles. In the end, this baby, whose birth has been celebrated for centuries, is our Lord and Savior. I’m struck by the large number people on and off stage it took to create this song, but also the powerful effect of many people sharing a journey. St. Augustine’s has a diverse and beautiful congregation whom God has called to share His truth to the world. We have different roles and talents, but each person’s song is vital to sharing God’s truth. I pray that you will have a blessed Advent as you prepare yourself for the birth of Jesus, the greatest truth of our lives, and that you will take time to share this truth with people you encounter. 

 

- Carol Young

 

 


 

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