According to a Pew Research Study published in December of 2023 56% of “Spiritual but not Religious” people “feel a deep sense about the universe monthly.” And I would bet that this past week that jumped up greatly.
Even if we could get the balance of life correct, sin gets involved in our desires and expectations. Where do we see God’s grace not just forgiving us our sins but also transforming us in these relationships? Where does the community of Christ fit into the discussion? How can evaluating our relationships help us in asking God to increase his grace so that we can grow in virtue?
This Sunday I am beginning a rule of life class which aims at making some of these patters (along with others) more intentional for each of us, I hope you will consider attending for the next seven weeks. Let’s commit ourselves as those who have been redeemed and saved by Jesus to follow his example in ordering our lives and our households together.
This babe in a manger whom we will welcome again is the warrior for us and will one day return with an army of angels for the harvest (Matt. 13:41, 25:31).
Interestingly, both are calling us to “Be Ready” but in very different ways. The world revs us up to almost a frantic pace of gift-buying, cleaning, baking, and socializing. The church season of Advent calls us to reflection, recollection and repentance. The world empties you out of energy, patience, and money but the seasons (when we can observe it) fills us up with light - an ordered soul.
Sundays are special. For as long as I can remember, Sunday morning has been the highlight of my week. Now, maybe it was the box of doughnuts that Mrs. Rieman brought to Sunday School Hour. That didn’t hurt, but even in my younger years I found Sunday mornings to be a time that was special because I experienced God in a different way and I got to see people I really considered to be family.
