“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.
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