Embodying Love
As we enter into the fourth week of Advent, it is time to explore the theme of love. A lot of songs popped into my head today. It has been said that there are three basic stories in the world. Love lost, love found and love restored. When it comes to God, it is definitely the third one, for God’s love for us is always there. That being said the one song that seemed most appropriate today that was floating through my head is by Amy Grant called “Breath of Heaven”. This song is sung from Mary’s point of view. I want to share just a short piece from it which says: “I am waiting, in a silent prayer. I am frightened by the load I bear. In a world as cold as stone. Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now, be with me now. Breath of Heaven hold me together, be forever near me, Breath of Heaven. Breath of Heaven lighten my darkness, pour over me Your Holiness for you are Holy, Breath of Heaven.” It is a beautiful and almost haunting song that really captures the emotions that I can only imagine Mary experiencing as she prepared to give birth while travelling to Bethlehem. I think the words of this song capture what we are all longing for in life, to know that we are not alone, that in our time of fear that someone will walk with us and that we are loved.
Over the past few weeks we have explored what it means to embody hope, peace and joy. Now it is time to consider how we embody love. Embodying love is not just done through feelings, but also through how we live. Love becomes visible when it takes on flesh. In A New Creed, we proclaim that God has come to us in Jesus, the word made flesh. God’s love is embodied in the life of Jesus here on earth. Love is embodied when we show up and are present to others. Love is experienced through the attention that we give others, when we notice things, and listening without rushing, and when we remember stories, names, and wounds. Love is demonstrated through justice and solidarity. Love is experienced when we challenge systems that harm and when we refuse to be indifferent. Love is the act of compassion expressed communally. Love is embodied when we forgive and seek healing. Love tells the truth and names the things that are broken, and it is love that can mend and reconcile relationships. Love is choosing kindness even when we are tired.
When I think of people who have shown me how to love, I think of my grandparents who always had time for me when I called them, as a young adult. I think of some of the youth I have worked with over the years who have come to me in deep sorrow, who provided me with the opportunity to simply be present and offer a shoulder to cry on. I think of the volunteers who spend countless hours here at the church to ensure that the various food programs continue, and that the work of the church keeps going so that we have the resources and space to help people. I think of the people in our midst who pray, who hear the name of someone they don’t know in the Sunday prayers and who continue to pray for them throughout the week. I see it in the people who ask about someone they haven’t seen recently. I see it in so many small and seemingly insignificant ways. Love doesn’t have to be extraordinary. Love is quite ordinary when you think about it, but when we feel loved it makes a huge difference. Love is the gift that we can all give! So go out into this world and spread love - be LOVE! Let’s bring this world out of the darkness and into the light. I am sending each and everyone of you love, as we walk together to celebrate Christmas.
Rev. Karen