Letter from Pastor David Bateman
Harmony Note December 3, 2021
On this gray December day, amidst the festive celebrations and decorations, I am reminded of the many for whom this is a difficult time. Maybe it’s the first Christmas with an empty chair where a loved one sat. Maybe it’s a reminder of that time, and the many empty chairs around us reminding us of brighter days.
Perhaps, it’s because at a personal level, I am participating in the funerals of a 38 year old mother of three called home far too soon on December 4th and a celebration of the life of a dear farmer friend that lived a full life in his 90 plus years on December 8th. There are so many memories, the joys and sorrows of life as it unfolds for each of us and the connections we share with each other.
I write this as a reminder, that in this season of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, we embrace life in all it’s fullness, our faith rekindled by the birth of a child, God’s own Son, Jesus. The carols and candles, the children’s programs, the Silent Night that beckons us to fall on our knees and hear the angels voices on a clear winter’s night are all a part of the Christmas story lived in our time.
We are reminded that as we shop for the perfect gift to give those special people in our lives, what gift will we bring to the manger? Maybe we need to listen again to the song of the little drummer boy who reminds us “what can I offer, all my heart”. That truly is the perfect gift, and the right size!
Our faith commands us to look after widows and orphans, the last, the least and the lost. It is both commandment and calling to live our faith in a tangible way. Maybe that means sharing a plate of Christmas cookies or stopping to visit a shut-in. Maybe it’s a call that we’ve been putting off because w didn’t know what to say. Maybe it’s a Christmas card with a note about our family. It’s a reminder of perhaps what ought to be year round caring activities.
As we are daily inundated with anxiety producing concerns, may we step back just a little and allow the peace and presence of God to speak to us. This Advent Season may we anticipate this holy birth and seek the star that guides us to that place.
Blessings and Peace and Love,
Pastor Dave
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