Shalom, friend!
During the Passover Seder, there is a section of the service called the Four Questions that launches the recounting of the story of God’s deliverance of the Hebrew people from slavery. The first question is “Why is this night different from all other nights?”
There will come a day when we may ask, “Why were the holidays different in 2020 than all other years?” So much of what infuses holidays with meaning for many of us is the repetition of our cherished rituals from year to year – or at least, the memory of those rituals. This year, most of us will be experiencing a very different Thanksgiving than in years past. We may ache for the comfort of the familiar (Campbell’s Soup green bean casserole, anyone?) on in a year that has turned life upside down for many of us. I share a wonderful piece of counsel from Tara Owens of Anam Cara Ministries:
I have a proposal. Since many of us are not going to be with family the way we usually are over the holidays, can we make a pact?
Leaning into the difference has been freeing. I am finding afresh I’m best able to give thanks to God when I also know I am also welcome to come before him to name the losses of 2020 and express my confusion, fear, and disorientation.
I am deeply grateful for each of you reading these words. Whether you’re an “in real life” friend or a digital connection, know that I thank my God every time I remember you. And I pray that this different holiday season will bring unexpected consolation to you – and maybe even a bite of a Googled version of your aunt’s weird Jello-mold.
Do you know someone who could use a word of encouragement – and who couldn’t right now?
I am giving away two signed copies of Becoming Sage: Cultivating Maturity, Purpose, and Spirituality in Midlife. The book is about spiritual growth, and a number of readers have told me that the words of the book have given them all kinds of “ah ha!” moments of understanding about the Lord, themselves, and the others in their lives. Enter the drawing for yourself, or to gift someone you know this holiday season.
To enter, simply click here to email me. I’ll draw two names next Monday, November 30th, and reach out to you for the name and address of the recipient.
Free online devotional to read and share
When unexpected challenges upend the good plans we’ve made for our lives, how can we begin to respond in faith? This five-day devotional is available here, and offers a thoughtful, compassionate exploration of the subject of how we can take first steps in processing those losses with honesty and courage. Bookmark it, and share it with someone you know who might find comfort and strength in these words.
Advent begins this Sunday, November 29th
I Wonder As I Wander: Devotions For Advent
This affordable little booklet is designed to share with groups at church or in your community. These daily devotions capture the surprise, truth and wonder of God’s pursuit of each one of us. Contemporary examples mix with ancient, unchanging truth to guide readers to the One born in Bethlehem who has been pursuing us every step of the way.
Moments and Days: How Our Holy Celebrations Shape Our Faith
This book is about more than Advent, but Advent is included. Learn the feasts and festivals of the Bible, and discover the beauty of the Church calendar. Both the Jewish festal cycle and the Christian year have much to teach us about holy days and every day.
Finally, have you ever heard the 17th century hymn Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree? The haunting melody includes these words:
For happiness I long have sought
And pleasure dearly I have bought:
I missed of all; but now I see
‘Tis found in Christ the apple tree
According to Ye Olde Wikipedia, “The song may be an allusion to both the apple tree in Song of Solomon 2:3 which has been interpreted as a metaphor representing Jesus, and to his description of his life as a tree of life in Luke 13:18-19 and elsewhere in the New Testament including Revelation 22:1-2 and within the Old Testament in Genesis.” It is a song full of life and longing, and I really enjoy Bob Bennett’s gentle contemporary version: https://www.youtube.
This hymn is often sung during the Christmas season. It’s not one you’ll hear in a mall, but since we’re not going to malls in quite the same way as years past, sit back for a few minutes, breathe deep, and let these words of love wash over you.
With great gratitude to God for you,
Michelle Van Loon
To contact me about speaking at your church or ministry event, click here. It would be my privilege to serve your group. I can Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or use two empty toilet paper rools strung together if you like.
Cover photo by Mathyas Kurmann on Unsplash
