Welcome to Advent! Our scriptures, from Romans 13 and Matthew 24, urge us to make the most of our time. For Paul, writing to the Romans—and from prison--our life in Christ is the dawning of a new day. It’s like stirring from sleep with the sense that “the night is far gone, the day is at hand.” You know the feeling: it’s still dark but there’s enough light to know that morning is around the corner. It’s a time of anticipation. Dawn is on the way! Our theological alarm clock tells us that it’s time to wake up! It’s time to start living as though a new day with our Creator has begun.
Dressing for God might sound a little like dressing for power—and power might suggest armor, and so Paul describes it as Christ’s armor of light. Christ’s is an armor of mercy and compassion. It strengthens us, in the words of the Baptismal Covenant, “to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves,” and to “accept the freedom and power God gives.” Clothing ourselves in this way empowers us to carry peace within ourselves and seek good for those around us. It speaks to our hopes for our children and all those who will follow us. Even common sins like jealousy and quarreling destroy our community with one another, injure our relationship with God, and injure God’s dreams for us.
Jesus knows that we often nod off and that we may get sloppy in our spiritual dress. We proceed as though we had all the time in the world to perfect our relationship with God and with Christ. Jesus gives us the example of men in the field and women grinding meal at home--normal people at normal tasks but then half of them snatched away. Because God had other plans. We too must get on with our lives and do whatever is necessary for the needs of the hour. And at the same time, we must develop a sensitivity to God’s grace, even in the midst of the uncertainties of our days. We must always to be ready to discern God’s extraordinary on-going, creative presence. Our times are in God’s hands. We must stay awake.
Because we cannot know God’s ultimate timetable. Advent is comparatively easy. We’re in training during four weeks to work and watch for the promise of Christmas light. But Advent always begins with the reminder that, beyond the earthly life of Christ, God’s ultimate schedule cannot be known. During this time, may we not only stay awake but contribute something to our world, trusting in the light of Christ to clothe us. Starting today, we can walk forward, one step at a time, trusting that, no matter what, enough light lies ahead. Amen.
Faithfully, Pastor Dora
Join us for worship on Sunday at 11:30. Office phone is 412 431-0118.
About Our Church
Our church has been part of the South Side community since 1833. The building was begun before the civil War with the main section completed in 1869. Our gym was the first gym for public use in the neighborhood. We have space for all kinds of community projects. A vital current ministry is our Open Mic, held the third Thursday of every month for poets and musicians, experienced and just starting out. There is a $5 cover, but we provide refreshments as well as a safe and nurturing space with terrific acoustics.
We worship every Sunday morning at 11:30. You can also join us via telephone conference call by calling (412)-307-7952 ten minutes before services start & hold on until we greet you. You can contact the church at 412 431-0118 or on our email, [email protected].
At South Side Presbyterian Church, we take Christ’s Social Justice seriously. We serve this community and the poets and actors who are drawn to it. We invite your presence and your contributions. Join us!