In a few days we will celebrate our seniors, who have completed this stage of their preparation for leadership and are ready to begin the next chapter in their faith journey. It will be my privilege to ask them one question: “Will you endeavor to pattern your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, in gratitude to God and in service to others, at morning and evening, at work and at play, all the days of your life?” That is a tall order and it seems like a fitting question for us all to ponder as we enter into the weeks of Advent and reflect anew on the ways that God is at work in us and in the world. What are the ways you find some space in these busy Advent days to stop, pray, be silent and listen to the stories of both strangers and family alike? I invite you to listen in on the stories of faith shared in this Elert and on our Facebook page, where stories are shared of special memories and traditions of our staff during this Advent season.
The prayer we will pray as a community for our seniors is a reminder for me of our unity, which comes as a gift in Christ. This prayer is also a reminder of the importance of our mission to prepare leadership for the church. I have a grateful heart that God, through the church sent these folks to journey with us for a time. I ask you to join me in keeping them in prayer as a community when we will pray: “Almighty God, by the power of the Spirit you have, knit these your servants into the one body of your son, Jesus Christ. Look with favor upon them in their commitment to serve in Christ’s name. Give them courage, patience and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
That prayer seems like a powerful way to ponder together the ways that God’s Spirit may be stirring in our midst. I invite you to find one person for whom you might share this prayer as we await the coming of the Christ child.