There are signs everywhere.
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In 1997, a triumph of movie-making was released in Fools Rush In.
Nope, sorry. I can't say that with a straight face. But the movie, starring Salma Hayek and one of the guys from Friends (Matthew Perry), was a silly comedy that garnered a bit of a cult following in the late 90s. It was definitely not Oscar material, and there are some pieces of it that I can't commend to you. Having said that, Salma's character hangs her hat (and really her whole story) on the fact that there are signs everywhere. She insists that most things in life can be solved, most questions answered, if we are observant and attentive - if we're willing to read the signs and be faithful enough to interpret them well. In fact, her insistence is based on an underlying belief in God's presence and God's desire to show us the path to happiness. And through a series of hilarious (perhaps ridiculous) episodes and encounters in the film, her philosophy leads to a pretty feel-good, happy ending.
There are signs everywhere. Now half way through Advent, this is a good message for us. The urgency of the season of Advent is a call to remember that there are signs of God's love everywhere: signs of God's promises, signs of God's presence in and around us, signs of good news ahead. Advent reminds us to pay attention, that there is more to see that we often miss; not because we aren't trying or aren't paying attention - but because we're human, and life is busy. Advent comes to remind us to believe that God is stealing into the world, into our lives, into our hearts to bring peace and good news. Advent reminds us again to look and see.
That's part of the reason that we all still hang lights, decorate trees, light candles, and host gatherings. Even though we've done it all before, even though we've heard the story before, we cleave toward tradition, hungry for warmth, connection, and fulfillment. Creatures of habit that we are, we need to be reminded, re-connected, re-set. And Advent invites us to do that, to notice and see the signs of love around us, to pull them in, to remember and keep them as part of our story which is always part of God's story. My friends, especially in this season, there are signs everywhere of God's love breaking into the world, of the goodness God longs to bring to you and to all of us. Can you see it? Do you perceive it? We are a people who ache for good news, and good news is coming.
This last week, I saw some of these signs at our study of the Marys of the Bible, in the gathering of our Confirmands, in the preparation for our Christmas Pageant, and in the care of our staff and lay leaders as we prepare for Christmas and the end of the calendar year. I found God to be present in time spent with parishioners, in meetings and on phone calls, and in my own prayer and study of Scripture. There is so much to be thankful for in our life together. In fact, the place I most often see signs of God's presence and love is in you - in the ways you show up for each other and St. Matt's, the ways you give and serve, the ways we laugh and cry together, the connections and meaningful relationships shared throughout this community. And I see God at work in the ways that we are growing, in the appearance of deeper faith, new relationships, interesting questions, and new ideas. There are truly signs everywhere.
In the midst of all that is busy about this season, I hope that you will notice the signs of love and grace that are all around you. And I hope you'll come and find some of them with us on Sunday morning and in the next few weeks before Christmas. Join us for the Christmas Pageant this week, the Open House at the Rectory, and the Greening of the Church next week. Listen for God's story of love in Scripture and in our worship. Keep an eye out for our Advent Photo Challenge, news about the Giving Tree, and other opportunities in the weeks ahead to make space, make memories, and pull in those moments of light and grace. May we see and be signs of God's love in the world. May we be part of the prophecy coming true, part of the proof that there are signs everywhere. God bless you until we meet again.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector