1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Take this opportunity to sing, read, or listen to the Advent carol “People, Look East” by Eleanor Farjeon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_aFjCGbTJs

“Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.”   (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

Even in our cyber-world, we still long for face-to-face connections.  Advent worship brings the power of the Incarnation to a needy world.  Flesh-and-blood bodies dance the gospel message with real sweat.  The tendons and muscles of the artist’s hands stretch and bend to shape the clay.  Air vibrates through the folds of vocal cords as real people sing out their hopes, their dreams, their faith.  And God becomes human to dwell in our very midst—to restore whatever is lacking in our faith.  Alleluia!

Prayer:
Incarnate God, you have the power to teach us about your love through the relationships we share with each other.  In our face-to-face encounters with one another, help us to understand the corporeal reality of your presence with us.  Through Jesus Christ, Amen.

Rev. Laura Jaquith Bartlett
Alton L. Collins Retreat Center
Eagle Creek, Oregon