Salem Grace Notes

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." In the Gospel of
Sunday, December 4, 2011 that is the call issued to God's people. Quoting
the prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist announces the Lord's coming.
In the middle of the week, as I write this, I'm aware of the Spirit's
claim on me, you and Salem. It strikes me that this cry is not just a
part of a story about another time and place. It is a present reality for
all of us as disciples. Our mission is to make His paths straight so that
our Savior and Lord is available to those who hear the Spirit calling them
to join the "kingdom life".

The thought was impressed upon my mind and spirit that this is not
something added to our already busy lives. "Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight." is about discerning the Spirit's direction and
pursuing the mission that has been given to all disciples, personally and
collectively—"Living Christ's Love" in every situation and circumstance.
Again, this isn't something added onto living, it is the way of living the
gift of life that we have. The challenge lies in how we act Christ's love
in the presence of others and in the company of only our own self. It can
be tough to do. Indeed on our own, it often seems impossible. BUT as we
are willing and as we surrender ourselves to the Lord, His Spirit can work
"living Christ's love" through us.

It is simple, but not simplistic. Simplistic actions tend to lead us into
a maze of seeking a problem—solution models for each different situation.
That sounds exhausting at best. Simple action means seeking and being
open to the same solution in any setting; namely, asking the Lord to "let
others see Christ in me" in every encounter. I believe this is what the
wisdom writer meant when writing in Proverbs. "Trust in the Lord with
all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways,
acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

Does that mean we'll always get it right? No, and that is when we make
straight the Lord's path for the Child of God in us. We make the path
straight by hearing, receiving and accepting, by faith, heaven's grace.
Advent is here. The Lord is coming to us in the celebration of God's
birth as a little baby boy—the angel said his name is Jesus— Emmanuel.

May you sense "God with us" Emmanuel as we gather for the activities of
Salem's faith community as we journey to the manger outside of Bethlehem.

Advent blessings,
Pr. Rob