Edina Hall
Sisters and Brothers in Christ as we bask in the glow of the wreath,
There is a phrase that I first heard before Covid times: “You can’t be a Christian by yourself.”
At the beginning of the shutdown, I almost thought it was possible. I could lean into the Book of Common Prayer and the bible. I could journal, meditate, and read other holy inspired books. In some ways it was a thin hermit living, and, in many others, contemplative and holy.
But I deeply missed being present at the service, the swelling of music to the rafters, the smell of incense lifting our prayers up, communion with community and coffee hour—even as a tea snob. I couldn’t fully be a Christian by myself, though, for there is another side to the “being a Christian equation” other than looking upward and inward or to the pew next to me.
Today’s reading (Matthew 25:31-46) speaks about separating goats from sheep and a King deciding the inheritance of his people. Those who did not provide food, water or clothing to strangers in need or visit the imprisoned or sick will meet eternal punishment. It needs little commentary, but it is interesting that the righteous are confused. “When did we do that?!”
To which I can’t help but think: Wouldn’t they have known when they fed a stranger? Provided water? Helped a neighbor or stranger? Visiting someone in prison is no small task! Aren’t those activities obvious? Memorable?
How could they not see that they weren’t just looking upward and inward but being a 360-degree Christian?
Because it all comes from the place of profound love.
Love so deep that it sees past the church walls, music, incense, coffee hour, and the pew. Love woven so tightly into DNA that the actions are part of the core of their being; it’s just “who they are!” Love so powerful that it changes the phrase from “You can’t be a Christian by yourself” to “You can’t be a Christian without others.”
Tomorrow, we will light the last candle in Advent—Love.
My prayer for all of us is that we welcome its transforming light. Bathe in its goodness. Receive its warmth.
And that it pierces our DNA and rewires us to be 360-degree Christians.
Awaiting transformation to be born,
—Edina