Gifts

As the Advent journey to Christmas begins, this house is already at the top of my list of favorites. I love the statement it makes to the world: this home is a gift, this family is a gift, the relationships that live here are treasured.

Maybe it is because of this crazy pandemic. Perhaps it is because families have spent so much time together. It could be that economic conditions have rearranged priorities. Whatever the reason, we are all the better for it if we have come to a place where we value each other over the things with which we fill our lives.

One of the people I admire most often quotes the phrase from the great hymn of the church that describes us as “Rich in things and poor in soul.” We can so easily become the victims of our own success and, without realizing it, find ourselves just that, rich in things and poor in soul. It happens so slowly we fail to notice the change.

May we, in these first tentative steps toward Christmas, reflect on what we value most. Where necessary, let us rearrange our lives so they reflect our hearts at their best. May we treasure above any “things” the love of another, the opportunity to be significant in the lives of those around us, the presence of a gracious God and the gift of life itself. Let us make our homes the gift. Let us make our congregation a welcoming, serving gift to the world. That, my friends, will transform our own lives and make a difference in the world.

Peace.