By Marcia Yost, director of the arts: engagement and outreach
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 (NRSV)
“Readiness” is a word and a concept that has been a very real part of my life. Being a musician and a choral music educator, “Are you ready?” or “Are they ready?” are questions I have been asked a multitude of times. My answer has often been “I hope so” or “we will be.” It seems that our lives can be consumed by whether or not we feel ready for the next performance, the next step, the next stage, or perhaps the next rainy day.
With this need for readiness comes the fear of falling short. In these complex and difficult times, it is hard to know what a “journey to readiness” holds for us in this advent season. The reassurance of Paul in his letter to the Corinthians is strong in proclaiming we will not be lacking any spiritual gift as we wait for the revealing of Jesus.
This advent season will feel very different for us. The singing of carols will feel isolated. In our church services we will miss the physical presence of our home congregation and the touch of a heartfelt welcoming hug. Perhaps the blessing in our preparations this year will be the internalizing and sharing of the spiritual gifts of the season as we ready ourselves for the birth of the Christ Child.
So, I ask myself once again, “Am I ready?” This is one time in my life that the answer is a strong affirmation. I am ready to love and be loved. I am ready to seek and share peace. I am ready to feel hope and give hope. I am ready to receive the spiritual gifts of the season. As Paul says, “God is faithful; by God you were called into the fellowship of God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Nothing can give us greater love, peace and hope! Alleluia and amen.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 (NRSV)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— 6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— 7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.