One of the things I love about being part of a liturgical church is that the rhythm of the church year teaches me new stuff about the ongoing life of faith. In the context of writing a sermon recently, I was reflecting on it again. This is the bit that didn’t get into the sermon:
In Advent I consider the darkness in my life and the world around me, into which God becomes human and among whom God dwells. In the season of Christmas we celebrate that God is not far off, disconnected from creation, but indeed is incarnated and present IN creation. So I look for opportunities to be caught up in the wonder and miracle of God’s commitment to me and to LIFE.
In Epiphany we ponder those “aha” moments where we get glimpses not only of what God is doing to restore creation and bring about God’s kingdom, but how we are called out and set apart to participate in that Kingdom-work. So i recommit myself to responding to the call to follow Jesus.
In Lent we once again return to darkness and brokenness, realizing that death is not to be avoided, but instead is a necessary part of the grander plan of redemption and regeneration. So I lament the reality and presence of death and darkness, I consider the ways I cover up or avoid death, and I seek to release myself from the things that are keeping me from full life.
In Easter we declare God’s power to defeat death and remember together that we know the end of the story, even as we seek to order our life after the example and teachings of Jesus.
In Pentecost we dwell on the ongoing power and presence of the Spirit in our midst, continually calling us forward in discipleship, mission and faith.
And because the work of the Kingdom is not yet over, we head back into Advent as we are faced with darkness…into which once again we anticipate the birth of Christ.