Sticky
One cold December afternoon
when even the sticky sap
freezes to the trunk of the pine
small faces appear to be stuck
to paper plates while crunching
ooey, gooey popcorn sculptures
and cut out sugar cookies piled
high with bright-colored frosting
and abundant glittery sprinkles.
Not ten feet away volunteers
assembling gift-worthy crafts
use hot glue guns oozing adhesive.
Between sticky snacks, church families
hug and chat, starved for Grandma
Pearl’s soup and egg salad sandwiches.
As I see it, the real value
is in the stickiness.
These months of women prepping
sticking together through thick and thin
until the day that hundreds come
streaming through the doors of Saint Paul
purchasing pink and blue tickets.
After forty-eight years how could
one appraise the awesome Advent Fair?
At the very time the leaves have
dropped from the trees to the ground
we need physical signs to cheer us on
like generations bonding
bringing hope of this love that has
existed since the beginning.
It’s Advent and together we
make our way, seeking what will
bring us true hope, peace, and love
souls adhered to the eternal Light,
glued to Our Blessed Messiah,
and Savior of this messy world.
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Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'”
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
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Finding balance
December is off to a flying start at Saint Paul! We so appreciate the immense effort that went into the Advent Fair last Sunday. As I see it, people are ready to return to life as it was pre-covid and do what brings them joy!
Now that the 2023 Advent Fair is over, we bring the message to you to take a deep breath and relax your tired muscles. Next you might join a study group and read the scriptures. With all the offerings of the season, intentionality is the key. Along with taking in the wonders of bright lights, incredible music, and delicious treats, we find balance by going inward to rest.
You are not alone if this season is difficult for you. Real life is not like a Hallmark movie.
In the wilderness of December, we hear the prophet calling us towards wholeness in our relationship with God. John the Baptizer calls us by name and asks us to prepare our hearts.
How will we respond?
We pray for increased awareness of God’s love, hope holding fast within you this first week of Advent.
Rev. Marta Wheeler
P.S. check out the Advent Study classes and worship at Saturday at 5 pm in the chapel and 10 am in the sanctuary on Sunday morning!