BRAGG CREEK CHURCH
As Christmas draws close I want to share a word from one of our church members both because Isa 61 was a prophesy of the coming Christ, but also because sometimes its good to re-center ourselves into something life giving after 18ish months or uncertainty.
He has sent me… to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. ~Isaiah 61.1-3
Community, gathering together, and serving one another are among the things that center me in my faith walk. When at times I am unable to attend I find myself talking to God more due to loneliness from missing my community of faith. Having missed church for the past two Sundays has me thinking about all that has happened in the last 19 months to the entire world and what Christians in the past went through.
Rhythms of exile and return, diaspora and homecoming, have always been a part of Christian life. And that’s true. It’s also true, though, that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a season of separation like no other we’ve ever known. There were months when gathering in person was forbidden. Yet, as we look ahead, we may never appreciate the power of gathering in person more than we do now.
The beauty of worship — gathering in the midst of a world full of distance. The wonder of music — singing together in the midst of a world full of silence and loneliness. The joy of service — working together in the midst of a world full of broken systems and broken hearts.
And this I know as truth, if the world is full of exile, BCCC is a community of return. A place to come home to, again and again. A congregation in which we can tangibly experience God’s ancient promise to “bring you back to this place,” and “give you a future with hope.”
And here’s one more thing that’s true: even when this pandemic is a distant memory, the world will still be full of need. Still longing for home, for community, for reunion, for return. That’s why we’re here. That’s who we are: a safe harbor of hope when life has become dark. It’s the same reason God chose to be born with us as Jesus of Nazareth, to help us build bridges of connection and companionshi,- so that everyone might experience a homecoming to God’s joy, salvation, and love.
So keep praying and giving thanks for all the ways our faith, our prayers, our worship, our music, our service, and our lives help bridge the gaps that divide creation.
Diane Scott
Please continue to watch for Christmas-Eve service announcements, as well as if you happen to know of anyone in need of a food hamper please contact the church
