This fall, at a parish gathering, I was approached by one of the people who follow my social media offerings. Whether I am writing, painting, creating music, or just having fun, I do try my best to connect the “spiritual dots,” so to speak.
This person lovingly asked if I was okay, because I seemed different. I wasn’t carrying on with the same energy; the funny facebook posts were gone. “Are you okay Bishop John? Are you sad and tired? It turned into a deep conversation. I thanked them so much for actually noticing, and coming to talk with me. I explained that I was okay, but yes I was burdened. Ever since the Gaza Conflict began, I had entered a time of intentional intercession, for Gaza, and for the dozens of other countries where war was stealing life, peace, hope, and light. My joy, I explained, has not abated, but I have been fasting and praying in diverse ways because that is what I have felt called to do and become. This article is the first time I have given voice to that.
I hope to receive some healing and release during Advent this year. During the season, our Diocese will be led by the devotions and letters from the Very Rev’d Richard Sewell, dean of St. George’s College in Jerusalem. Richard’s weekly devotions are honest, poignant, challenging, and brave. When I asked him to collaborate with us, he responded with a resounding, “Yes! How can I serve your Diocese?” His was a deep joy, because he knew we had not forgotten them in Jerusalem and throughout the land of the Holy One.
His devotions entitled “Love, Hope, Peace, Light,” began with a question rather than a proclamation. If you haven’t read these words, they are available and will be ever present on our website.
Friends, Christmas is a reminder of the gift of total love. How I long for the day when every creature of Earth will walk in love. Christmas is a call to discover possibilities of real joy, through sober, intentional reflection. We might say “look up and have hope!” In Gaza, and other places, “Look up!” means a bomb or missile is approaching.
Christmas is a call to have hope. Never relinquish hope. As Dean Richard says: “Yet, in the desert, God makes ‘a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert’ (Isaiah 43: 20). Advent hope, unlike optimism, does not promise that everything is getting better, but promises that God is with us whatever our circumstances. Do not ask us to be optimistic, but we are staying hopeful.”
May your Christmas Season be filled with hope as you grow in love, understanding, and deep peaceful joy.
+John, Central NL
