Multiplying Our Gifts - December 22, 2024
Today’s Readings:
Friday. AM Psalm 40, 54; Zech. 7:8-8:8; Rev. 5:6-14; Matt. 25:14-30
Today’s Reflection
This Sunday and Monday there will be six opportunities to worship here at St. Stephen's. You may find the schedule here. No doubt it will be glorious, and at times chaotic, and the birth of Christ will be celebrated with music and prayers and pageants. Earlier this week the staff met to discuss logistics for the services. Do we have ushers for the Christmas Day service? Are there acolytes for Sunday mornings services? When and who will put up/take down the risers?
It was apparent to me that this is a collaborative, organized, and experienced staff. AND, I was once again reminded that the generous offering of the gifts of so many parishioners makes it possible for us to worship not only on festival days, but every Sunday. In the Gospel reading today the landowner is complimentary of those who used the gifts he had given them in ways that multiplied. Conversely, the one who buried his money in the ground was chastised greatly.
This has me imagining each of those sweet children in the pageant--the angels, the stars, the sheep, Mary and Joseph, all of them, as if they are offering their gifts at the feet of Jesus. It doesn't stop with the children. I think of Miss Whitney and Miss Jennifer and how they are lifting up their gifts, and the ushers handing out bulletins and helping people find their seats, and the altar guild preparing the space and the altar so beautifully. Gift after gift; treasure after treasure shared and multiplied in the joyful hearts giving thanks for the birth of Christ. Thank you for the multitude of ways you support beautiful worship.
In light of this scripture, I am inviting you to consider--is there a way that you might desire to support worship here at St. Stephen's? Have you wondered about being a lector, or greeting people, or serving as a Lay Eucharistic minister? If so, please reach out to Gretchen Lerner to find out how you can get involved in one of these rewarding ways to share your gifts in 2024. Also, if you are worshipping here this Sunday, I hope you will consider offering hospitality to our guests, helping them to find the nave, or a seat. The space may be crowded and we may find ourselves abdicating our favorite spot for someone who rarely is here. May they see the face of Christ in your smile. May they feel welcome at this most welcoming of tables, not only on Christmas, but every day.
Yours in Christ,
Mary Bea+
Questions for Self-Reflection:
Who have you noticed offering their talents to support worship? Is there a way you are being invited by God to serve here at St. Stephen's or in the community?