As I was debating setting up my Christmas tree this weekend, my husband asked: “Isn’t it a little early?” In our family, we usually wait until after Thanksgiving to set up our tree and Christmas decorations. However, with my son’s enthusiasm and my soul’s nagging, I made many trips to and from the attic to arrive at the moment where the soft glow of the twinkling lights and the memories from each ornament made my heart feel a little lighter.
Things feel so heavy right now with the government shutdown and the suffering of the world. Maybe that’s appropriate for the season of fall, where the brightest colored leaves are in the process of crossing the threshold from life to death. For me, I am not just carrying the heaviness of the world, but also the heaviness of our pastors. These selfless pastors who give so much of their time, of their very selves, all for the glory of God. As I set up my Christmas tree, I thought about them. How they, the ones who get to take us through Advent and Christmas, are the ones who don’t always get to experience it for themselves. I see you pastors, and you are still shining the light of hope in what often feels like a dark world.
I am taking a class on Digital Ministry as part of my Doctorate of Ministry program, and I have been convicted that I am not utilizing my digital footprint to provide enough support and resources to our clergy. But that stops now. From this moment forward, I covenant to be present in this space, to offer hope, to share the real and messy moments of life, and to celebrate the joy with you. You are seen; you are loved. I am here to listen and learn. I will share as many resources and make as many connections as possible, so get ready.
Maybe you are right there with me, but you haven’t had time to make the many trips to the attic, and don’t have the energy to be attacked by the Christmas tree (those branches are scratchy). Perhaps we can participate in a little pre-Christmas, pre-Advent, pre-Thanksgiving cheer today. God is still here with us. Sometimes it is hard to feel God’s presence when everything feels like bad news. But time and time again, God shows up and reminds us that God was there all along. What are the things in our lives that get in the way of us experiencing God’s presence, and how can we surround ourselves with people who point to God?
My biggest learning in being in my current position as the Director of Clergy Excellence for the Virginia Conference UMC (could I have a longer title?) is that there are so many people who are struggling alongside each other. Many with the same yearnings and struggles. Some have lost a loved one, or had a marriage dissolve, or dealt with a serious illness. Some are simply tired and burned out. Pastors are accustomed to carrying a great deal, but friends, we are not alone. Instead of grinning and bearing it and turning inward, turn outward: share your thoughts with a trusted friend, meet up for coffee, go on a walk together, or take a break from your computer and phone. You are not alone.
As you prepare to make the turn from Thanksgiving to Advent, remember this. Jesus will still be born, even if you forget your sermon on Christmas Eve. The light of Christ will outshine the darkness, even if you miss that super important meeting because your kid is sick. Silent night will be sung at midnight, even if you have entirely lost your voice.
The joy of Christmas is that it is a gift that cannot be stolen or stamped out. It is the promise of hope in the Christ-child. It cannot be earned but can only be received. God’s grace carries us even when we don’t want to be carried.
Today, as I sat in the early morning light with my coffee and turned on the lights of my Christmas tree, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Thankful to be alive. Thankful to be a mom to a fun (and challenging) ten-year-old. Thankful to be in ministry in new and exciting ways. The lights of Christmas offer a promise of joy and hope, even on days when those things feel distant. Sometimes we carry Christmas joy for others, until they are ready to carry it for themselves. So yes, I am ready to start the joy of Christmas now, and I am ready to carry it for you until you are ready to receive it for yourself.
Blessings,
Jessie
jessiecolwell.com 