Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent:
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Dear friends,
In the past week I have had the opportunity to reflect upon the wonderful bounty of community and fun we shared at last Saturday’s Gala, and the festive Advent 1 worship led by our youth, Sunday sales, music, and wreath-making that followed. Thanks to all who made these joyous celebrations possible and to all of you who showed up with smiles and enthusiasm for this community of Trinity Church and our ministry partners. Perhaps you purchased a pie, gifts from our Handcrafts Group or other Gala items to delight your family and friends on Christmas morning…gifts purchased in love, for those you love.
It is fitting that Dr. Kate Bowler’s blessing for Advent 2 is about LOVE!
For the second Sunday of Advent - Love
God, we are waiting for love,
Not the simple kind or the sweep-you-off-your-feet kind,
But the absurd kind.
The kind wrapped in rags,
resting in a bucket of animal feed.
Love enough to save us all.
Blessed are we who look for Love
deeper, fuller, truer–than we have ever known,
than we could have ever hoped for.
Blessed are we who seek you,
The light that dawned so long ago
in that dark stable.
Love given.
Love received.
Receive this gift, dear one.
Love has come for you.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy+
Blessing credit: The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days, by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Convergent Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House 2023 New York NY
Photo credit: N. Hagner Otter Lake Ducks, NH 2023
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