A WORD FROM YOUR PASTOR

LOVE BEYOND MEASURE

As we begin 2010, I invite you to look back to an early experience of Nathanael under the tree:

John 1:43The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."
44Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip.
47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."
48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."
49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
50Jesus said, "You believek] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51He then added, "I tell youl] the truth, youm] shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man

Jesus knew Nathanael under the fig tree. Have you considered that Jesus knows you that well, that he can spot you under the fig tree or anywhere else you might be? Even when we think we are hiding, God is there. Even when we have given up on life, God is there. Even when it seems apparent that our grief has the final say, God is there. Nathanael didn't suspect that God had God's hand on him even under that fig tree, but God did. God has even greater promises in store for us. So...in 2010, watch and wait for God to surprise you. God keeps watch over the flock and longs to be in close relationship with each of us. God loves you in ways you can only imagine. Give your thanks to God, and may you be richly blessed.

Love and Happy New Year!
Lucia

A Word from Your Pastor

ADVENT: A TIME TO DRAW NEAR AND PRAY

As I ponder the meaning of Advent, one prayer comes to mind over and over again. You may recognize it. I encourage you to keep it close at hand, to pray often, and draw near to God this Advent season. Advent means “to come”. So come, see what God is doing!

Christ ever with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me
Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ to my right side, Christ to my left side
Christ in his breadth, Christ in his length, Christ in depth
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me. (St. Patrick;
friendsinchrist.net)

May you know God’s coming this Advent.
Love in the One who loves without measure,
Lucia