Dear People of The Mission, St. Andrew’s,
I must say the Christmas Pageant was a delight. Obviously the play and the staging have been perfected over the years. Andy Taylor and Abby Segelken were inspired directors. The costumes were top drawer. The Narrators proclaimed the Good News; and the members of the cast who played the Angel Gabriel, mother Mary and Joseph, the Innkeeper, the shepherds and the three Wise Men made Bethlehem alive. It was a picture postcard performance.
Some people bemoan the fact that there were not as many children in the pageant this year as there has been in the past. True. But the smaller number of players took nothing away from the delight of the show and the expressive appreciation of the spectators. The children and young adults played many parts. I know first timers in the audience were wonderfully moved by the Christmas play. Those who are new to St. Andrew’s have no experience of past performances. History did not dim their delight or their appreciation of what our small band offered.
Looking backward can be dangerous. If holiday drivers kept their eyes only on the rear view mirror routes 70, 670, 315, 71 and 270 loop would be a disaster area. If the three Wise Men were distracted by the well-known constellations to the east, they may have lost sight of new life shining in the western sky. Looking back, the three may not have discovered Immanuel, God is with us.
Looking back can be disabilitating not only for your own personal journey but for Saint Andrew’s Church as well. At one point the Israelites were mired in the wilderness complaining and saying that it would be better to be back in Egypt. The children of God were stuck in the mud of “what was” rather than finding strength and hope in “what is.” The Apostle Paul reminds us that we must keep striving, running ahead to achieve the goal set before you. An athlete cannot run a very good race looking backward neither can the mission of Saint Andrew’s.
From what I gather, St. Andrew’s Search Committee, has received the names of persons who are very interested in becoming the mission’s next full-tine Vicar. What a bright and wonderful star to follow. Does this news at least stir up your anticipation, hope and wonder? I have heard also that some once active members of Saint Andrew’s are holding back (in attendance and support) until the call of a new vicar is settled! A few people out there maybe stuck in the mud! How is St. Andrew’s going to shine and draw the next wise man or woman here to be vicar if you are not here and active?
God of the universe voluntarily took the initiative by acting in His grace to come down from heaven in order to meet humanity where we are, on earth in our broken-ness and sin, becoming human Himself to bear death, the consequences of sin, which only humankind can bear, since God can not die (Paraphrased from a quote by St. Athanasius). Jesus was born not to stay in the stable but to grow up and move ahead in his ministry and toward his goal. The God I know does not wallow in the past but is forever moving forward to achieve complete and lasting reconciliation and peace in this world - a goal set for us too.
I hope in the spirit of the Epiphany season, everyone can all look forward, in heart and mind, at what shines for Saint Andrew’s today. Look for what God provides now for our mutual delight and progress in Christ. Step out of the mire into the Light. Follow the blessings ahead.
See you at worship, Fr. Frank+
