2022.12.02 One Minute Word: Angels Still Appear
#ChristmasIsComing #PrepareYeTheWay #AngelsAmongUs #HereComesJesus #MarySaidYes #BirthingLove #Magnificat #ReasonfortheSeason #AdventJourney #BlessingsContinue #GoodShepherd #StillBirthing #AngelsAwaiting #GodStillLives #PrinceOfPeace #LoveEthic #JesusWay #JesusEthic #GodsLove #LoveYourNeighbor #StartWithLove #FeelTheLove #LiveOutLove #LoveWins #GodsLoveNeverFails
@HillsideMedford @SanctuaryUCC @revwdmiller @MinisterofGainz
Beloved, Christmas Is Coming. So while we wait – we church people start talking about the “reason-for-the-season” and spiritual things that will help us to “prepare-the-way”… for you know, birthing Jesus.
We start talking about Mary’s great big Magnificent YES. And good old Joe’s slightly reluctant “Well- ok”. And we talk about shepherds in the fields and wise ones on the way and angels… sooo many angels – in this revolutionary story.
Poet Ann Weems brings those angels to my heart today – reminding me that “Angels Still Appear.” May I share them with you?
Angels still appear to those
ready to receive blessings
in spite of the barren
impossibility of their lives.
Elizabeth still recognizes Jesus
and calls him Lord,
receiving him to her heart,
in spite of the distraction of her own blessing.
Blessings still come
to those who believe
that nothing is impossible
in the hand of God.
Mary still gives birth,
not just every Advent;
Mary still gives birth
each day – to this Child
who advents into hearts,
unexpectedly and forever.
Herods still live
who would kill this Child,
but Mary and Joseph
still flee into the desert, and the night,
to protect the One given
into their keeping.
Doors still slam in the
inns of the world.
Herods still plot to kill,
deserts and darkness
still threaten our safety,
but God still lives.
In spite of war and terror,
Mary gives birth
to the Prince of Peace.
In spite of hunger,
Mary gives birth
to the Bread of Life.
In spite of lost sheep,
Mary gives birth
to the Good Shepherd.
In spite of hearts
pregnant with hatred,
Mary gives birth to LOVE.
It is not done!
It is not done!
It is not dome!
The birthing is not over.
The blessings continue.
Angels wait in the wings.
- Angels Still Appear by Ann Weems, from Advent’s Alleluia to Easter’s Morning Light (Westminster)
Beloved – Angels still appear.
Even at Christmas.
Click on the link below to hear last week’s sermon about Mary’s song and Making the World Better
And join us this Sunday at 10:30; onsite or online; for the second in our “Heaven and Nature Sing” series.
Because everybody needs a little sanctuary from the din and distraction of this holiday season – not to mention some space for the spiritual practice of silence and sacred song.
See you soon.
