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Close to Home | Advent 2021

11/22/2021

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When something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During the Advent and Christmas season, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender, heavy with emotion, and vulnerable. We carry the memories and truths of this season close to our hearts. Close to Home acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s promised day—our everlasting home—is not fully realized. It names our deep longing for God to come close to us.
The Advent and Christmas scriptures are rich with home metaphors and imagery. John the Baptist prophesies about the One who is to come, but reminds us that we are still wandering far from God’s promised day; his message hits close to home, especially for those experiencing inequity and oppression. After receiving the angel’s news, Mary retreats to Elizabeth’s home, seeking refuge and safety. Christ is born in the midst of a journey home, in a crowded dwelling amidst livestock and shepherds alike. The Magi travel far from home to pay homage to Christ, and, having been warned in a dream, they avoid Herod by traveling home another way. In these scriptures, home is both physical and metaphorical, something we seek and something we are called to build. Ultimately, God is our home and resting place. God draws near and makes a home on earth—sacred ground is all around us.

This is the ground we will occupy in the coming weeks as we wait and watch. You can join us in reading the Advent devotional as well. It's free and digital.I look forward to our journey, together, as we wait and watch together.

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    Pastor Paul

    Blogging and believing. Some notes about a life of faith, answers to questions you ask, and musings about leadership in the church.

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  • About Us
    • Contact
    • Plan a Visit
    • COVID UPDATE
    • Welcome
    • Church Calendar
    • Beliefs >
      • The Bible
      • The ELCA
      • Scriptures, Creeds, and Confessions
      • Questions about God
      • Luther & Lutheranism
    • Meet the Staff
  • Worship
    • LIVESTREAM
    • Worship Bulletins
    • Special Services >
      • Weddings
      • Baptisms
      • Blessing of the Animals
      • Funerals
    • Columbarium
    • Sign Up to Serve in Worship
    • About Worship >
      • Holy Week
      • Christmas Eve
  • grow + learn
    • Adult Faith Formation
    • connect >
      • Men's Breakfast Group
      • Prayer Shawl Ministry
      • Stephen Ministry
      • Quilting
    • Serve Others
    • Youth and Family Ministry
    • Devotionals
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Confirmation
    • First Communion
    • Faith at Home
    • Discipleship
    • Faith & Parenting >
      • Faith Practices at Home
      • Why Faith at Home Matters
      • Four Keys
      • Parenting Podcast
      • Parenting through Death or Tragedy
      • Be a "AAA" Adult
      • Autism & Parenting
    • Faith and Grief
  • News + Media
    • Newsletter
    • video
    • calendar
    • Sermon Podcast >
      • Sermons Archive
  • give