Encourage Each Other - December 5

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 25; PM Psalm 9, 15; Isa. 5:8-12,18-23; 1 Thess. 5:1-11; Luke 21:20-28

In our morning worship services, we often have a young child, somewhere between 4 years old and nine, serve as a special acolyte.  They carry a small wooden cross, stand at the front of the nave until just after the opening acclimation, and then they are invited to lead other children out of the nave to a small children’s service where they will hear an age appropriate lesson before returning to join their families for communion.   At one service yesterday, the small acolyte was especially stoic in their actions, standing at the top of the sanctuary focused on their role.  I taped him on the shoulder, “it’s time to lead the children” I whispered.  He paused.  Another gentle nudge.

The acolyte walked down the stairs, and then the unexpected.  A full-on sprint came next.  The mad dash to the nave door, as children scrambled out of the pews to catch up amidst the laughter and joy of the congregation as we observed the young child sprinting to his next stop. 

It was a beautiful moment yesterday, one of those memories that makes church memorable.  I thought about the young child when reading our lesson from 1 Thessalonians.  I wonder if he was worried about making it to chapel in time, or worried that he wouldn’t get there soon enough.  I’m guessing he isn’t alone in the mental game of wondering if we are doing our faith correctly or worrying about showing up in the places we are expected to be.  Paul is encouraging the community gathered in Thessaloniki that they already know about the coming reign of God.  Instead of worrying, they should encourage each other, and build each other up. 

How lovely a reminder.   We are called to build each other up and encourage one another in our faith.  This is different than fixing each other’s beliefs or trying to understand everything perfectly.  It’s different even than getting the pace right.  If you are reading this email, thank you.  I hope you are encouraged.  Keep it up. I going to trust that you are living your faith in a beautiful and hopeful way, following the one who teaches us how to love. Thanks be to God.

John

Questions for Self-Reflection:  What encourages you in your faith?  Are their specific people, or a community?

Daily Challenge: Encourage a friend in their faith. Make a phone call. Send an email. Offer to pray for someone. Be Bold!