Daily Advent Reflection: December 7
Second Monday of Advent
Psalms 25 · 9, 15
Isa. 5:8-12, 18-23
1 Thess. 5:1-11
Luke 21:20-28
“For God did not destine us for wrath, but for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or sleep we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up…” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
There is a photo on my desk of my grandmother and I. It was taken when I was three or four years old. In the picture, we are laying together on her living room floor in Sheboygan and we are covered up with a blanket. In my small hands I am holding a book that is open, and Grandma is in the process of turning a page. She is reading to me. This photo speaks to me of love, acceptance, warmth and a sense of home. My childhood years were pretty tumultuous at times, and Grandma was a constant, a ‘rock’ who was always there for me.
As I got older, I learned more about who she was, what mattered to her, and the role that faith played in her life. In her own steady, quiet way she was one who, in the words of today’s reading from 1 Thessalonians, built others up, offering support, assurance, prayers and friendship. She believed in a God of love, forgiveness and mercy, who indeed destined us for salvation in and through Jesus Christ. When I felt called to the priesthood she could not have been more supportive or excited. On the road to ordination, however, there were several rocky moments including but not limited to: admitting an addiction to alcohol and drugs (and seeking help); doing poorly in school; leaving the seminary, and other rough spots as well. Through it all, I was blessed by the love of my primary encourager. In fact, after she left this life and went to be with our heavenly Father, people who attended daily Eucharist with my Grandma back in Sheboygan told me that they knew what was happening in my life based on my Grandma’s petitions during the Prayers of the People! I often think it was partly through her prayers that I have the amazing life I have today. I am both grateful and blessed.
The photo that sits upon Fr. Scott’s desk, as referenced above.
I try to carry some of that encouraging spirit she so abundantly showered upon me. It is one of the ways I try to live my faith in Jesus Christ.
As we continue our Advent journey, I invite you to spend some time today reflecting on the encouragers in your own life. Who are they? Thank God for them, and thank them as well! Also, I invite you to ask God to help you see how God may be wanting to use you as an encourager. How can your loving encouragement of another be a sign to them of God’s grace and love in their lives?
The Rev. Scott Leannah
St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, Greendale