One of the most sacred spaces to walk into as a minister for me is into the story of people’s lives. Whether it be for people who have fallen ill, preparing funerals for loved ones, those living with addictions stories or stories of abuse or many other or the chance encounters in hospitals, food banks and even grocery lines by times. I am touched by their stories and their sense of looking to know they are not alone in all they live on their journey.
We have come through the season of Advent and Christmas which for me is a time of touching these same biblical realities…of a people who longed for the coming of the Messiah. I tried to touch on those realities in our own lives preferring not to do Blue Christmas services and isolating people but encouraging our regular Sunday gathering to dare to enter into these same sacred spaces as a call to community.
I wrote the song “I am Here” as a reminder of the biblical story that touches our story of hurt and pain and isolation and feeling marginalized. I share it with you and allow its words to be my prayer as we greet this day. May we not be afraid to enter into the sacred stories of God’s people.
