Change

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The sucking child shall play over the hold of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. Isaiah 11:6-8 

This past Thanksgiving, I thought about all the changes I have seen around this holiday. The cooks have changed, the menu has changed, the people around the table have changed. The meeting place has changed.  An older generation has passed on and a new generation has begun. Yet despite all these changes, we have continued the practice of saying what we are thankful for and join in a prayer before the meal. We all enjoy the bounty of the food on the table and being with friends and families. Longstanding family traditions continue and memories are shared with love.  

I have thought recently about all the changes that Jesus and his disciples experienced. The disciples left their homes and families and their jobs to follow Jesus. They experienced miracles. Jesus from Galilee was seen not just a teacher and Rabbi, but a fulfillment of prophecy about the Messiah. He was not just a son of man, but the son of God. The religious leaders in the community could not tolerate the changes from the law where they held themselves over others. Jesus taught love and caring and promised the kingdom of heaven to those who believed in him.  

Change is hard. We are challenged by changes every day. Some are good, some are bad, and some challenge our very being. 

As we enter this time of Advent, let us ask God to help us with the changes around us and prepare ourselves for the wonderful changes brought into the world through the birth of our savior.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Christmas gift to us all - your son, our savior - Jesus Christ. Thank you for the peace you give to us knowing your Holy Spirit lives within us and can guide and protect us. Be with us during this Advent time to welcome a baby that represents the hope of the nations. Amen. 

Nancy Hall