Advent Message from Bishop Lucinda
Dear Beloved of El Camino Real:
The Season of Advent is my favorite season of the year in its invitation to liminal space and its call for reflection and quiet. With that, Advent, meaning “to arrive,” is also the biblical story of people traveling to a place, in a time of uncertainty and insecurity. It is the story of Mary and Joseph, who are on their way to Bethlehem, to the place of Joseph’s family. Yet, when they arrive in the city of David, there are no relatives in evidence, and young Mary gives birth–not in the comfort of a family home, but in the care of strangers.
The story goes on from there, with Mary and Joseph, after a respite, fleeing to Egypt to save their young baby from Herod’s wrath.
Mary’s pregnancy and Jesus’ birth is a narrative of hope and despair, of proclamation and of silence. Angels appear with messages throughout Matthew’s and Luke’s infancy narratives, yet the human, practical work of protecting Mary and the Baby is done quietly and without fanfare, and much of it is not found even in the pages of our gospel readings.
Advent is an invitation to us to participate in the quiet, unheralded work of attending to our neighbors who are among the most vulnerable in our communities. As our hearts open to hear the stories of those who live in fear, may our quiet ministry continue to bear witness to the loving God we worship.
“Loving God, open our eyes that we may see the face of the infant Jesus in the face of friends and strangers; open our ears that we may hear people’s cries for justice and offer food, clothing, and shelter to those who have nothing; open our hearts that we may welcome the stranger as Emmanuel, as God come near. Help us to bring love, hope, and faith where they are needed. Let us not be afraid to protect the weak or to defend the poor. May we do all this with your help. Amen.” (Episcopal Migration Ministries, Advent Vigil)
The links below provide resources from Episcopal Migration Ministries to support the work being done by many throughout our communities right in our diocese:
- Resources from Episcopal Migration Ministries – Learn More
- Advent Prayer Vigil for Migration Ministries – Read the PDF
- Office of Government Relations – More Information
If you feel so called, I invite you to join me in donating to the “Love Our Neighbor” fund to help defray legal expenses due to immigration issues: Donate HERE.
May this Advent be for us all a time of quiet ministry and deep joy.
Faithfully,
