Monday, November 30, 2015

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”Revelations 22:13

During the season of Advent, our eyes are trained to see the signs of the birth of that new thing, already here. Even the word Advent, "the coming of something new," implies that this is a season to keep our eyes open, a season of anticipation, a season where God is already doing new things. Our God is a God of new beginnings. And as God's followers, we are privileged to play a part in that work.

Many of us are familiar with the recent news of the explosion of refugees seeking protection, safety, and a new life for themselves and their children as they flee Syria and other places of conflict. For years, even when it has not been in the headlines, Lutheran Children and Family Service’s Refugee Resettlement Program has been resettling refugees fleeing persecution. LCFS has been helping refugees find a new beginning, a fresh start. For thousands of people over the years, and especially for unaccompanied minors and children, LCFS has been a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope. It has provided the foundation for the coming of something new in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

We all do this work together as we welcome newcomers in our neighborhoods and communities. We live into the meaning of this season as part of the "new things" that God is doing in our midst. Praise be to our God of new beginnings.

God of new beginnings, help us to see the new things that you are doing in our midst. Inspire us to take part in your work. Amen.

Rev. Bradley R. Burke is the Assistant to the Bishop for Youth, Young Adult Ministries and Spiritual Formation for Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA. Formerly, he served as the Executive Director of Lutheran Charities, a partnership between the Lutheran Social Ministry Organizations in our region.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Then [Jesus] told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."Luke 21:29-33

A new season has begun. Advent is upon us. I often hear Advent described as a time to prepare for Christmas, and admittedly I have used that definition many times. However, in the church’s life, this season calls us to prepare not just for a coming holiday but for the arrival of the kingdom of God. Advent is about God breaking into our lives and disrupting our world. This text from Luke’s Gospel captures this peculiar nature of Advent: that it is not just about preparing for the arrival of God’s kingdom in the form of an infant born in Bethlehem, but also in the form of the resurrected Christ returning to us.

At a recent advisory board meeting for Lutheran Congregational Services (LCS), I heard stories of Lutheran confirmation classes full of young people sharing meals with their Muslim brothers and sisters, building relationships while learning about the faith of the other. This is just one part of the ministry of LCS. It is a living example of God’s Kingdom breaking into our world. Combating the voices calling them to be enemies, these young people of two different faiths broke bread, shared stories and encountered the other as a fellow creation of God. This is the kingdom of God at work among us: understanding where there once was ignorance; relationship where there once was rivalry; and friendship where there once was fear. “So also, when you see these things taking place, you know the kingdom of God is near.”

Loving God, open our eyes to see the signs of your love coming in to this world. Make us peacemakers and bridge builders between people. Amen.

The Rev. Eric Reimer is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Hatboro and is on the Advisory Board of Lutheran Congregational Services.

Liberty Lutheran Advent Devotional Booklet 2015

Dear friends,

The season of Advent is a time to reflect on how the light of Christ shines into our lives. We can see that light shining through our care and service to one another in our greatest time of need.

Liberty Lutheran serves more than 59,000 individuals and families facing life-changing situations, from the earliest stages of life to the advanced stages of aging. Throughout Pennsylvania, our programs help children and youth, refugees, disaster survivors and seniors.

At the center of our service is our partnership in ministry and our relationships with people who live, work and worship in our communities and congregations. The light of Christ shines brighter as we work together serving the most vulnerable in our communities.

In the coming days, you will find the reflections, prayers and stories of people who make a vital difference throughout and alongside the programs and services of Liberty Lutheran.

May these reflections be an inspiration and affirmation of the joy and peace we share in faith and service.

Advent Blessings,

Luanne Fisher

CEO, Liberty Lutheran

Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.