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From The Pastor

December 14, 2018 by Rev. John Hartman

“Seeing God Clearly”

Several years ago, I mistook a new member’s sister, — a beautiful young woman in her late thirties, — for the woman’s mother. And I later discovered that the man standing next to her was not her father, — but her brother. I spoke to these two people at length, saying things like, “You must be so proud.” I also said something like, “It is so good to have them here at our church as new members, and I know it’s because of the upbringing you gave them.” Only slowly did I notice that they seemed rather quiet as I spoke to them. Call me Reverend Magoo. When I finally turned away, I saw the woman’s actual mother, and in horror, realized my mistake. I did my best to apologize to the sister, — but let me tell you, once you mistake a woman for someone twenty-five years older, it’s all over. Don’t even bother to send flowers—just walk away.

In case you are wondering, I do wear contact lenses, and now, I even now need 1.50 plus reader glasses. Now if I don’t wear my contacts, my vision will be very distorted, especially for things at a distance. My life would be subtitled “Adventures in Blurry Land.” Climbing up the chancel steps to the pulpit would be part of my weekly prayer life, as I can picture myself just belly flopping onto the communion one Sunday morning. Thankfully, with my contacts, everything is clear.

Amidst all the senses that come alive during Christmas, don’t lose “sight” of the fact that Jesus is coming! Don’t be distracted by all the gizmos and gadgets, and see that He is coming for you and for me. Wipe away the misty fog of shopping and errands! Clear away the clutter of wrapping and tape. Focus on him who is coming into the world, so that we might see his radiant light and be lifted out of the darkness of this world. If you do, I promise that you will “see” Christmas a bit differently this year.

John Hartman

Quote of the Week

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of of us.” St. Augustine

Saint Augustine of Hippo was a Roman African, early Christian theologian and philosopher from Numidia whose writings influenced the development of Western Christianity and Western philosophy.