‘Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.  -Ruth 1:16

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  -Luke 1:41-42

Isolation and loneliness are real issues for humanity. One of the most important lessons we learn in life, and often the hard way, is that we are never meant to go alone. If Ruth had honored the cultural norms, she would have gone to her home of origin after her husband died, but instead she chose to commit herself to her mother-in-law Naomi.

Elizabeth and Mary both experience the wonder of pregnancy, from two completely different perspectives: Elizabeth never thinking she would conceive, and Mary never imagining that bearing the child of God would be a thing in her life. Mary went to her and joy abounded as they experienced this wonder-filled journey together.

We can’t go alone.

In our worship on this second Sunday of Advent we will explore the importance of community in our lives and faith journey. When one person is weak those around them grant strength to endure. We will ponder together the ways we shall be present for God’s beloved around us.

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday or saying hello at the craft fair at the church on Saturday!  

Brett