December 2022

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

- Hebrews 13:2

This is one of my favorite bits of scripture in the Bible! For me, it captures the wonder and mystery of God’s Son choosing to arrive in the arms of an unwed teenager, far from home, in a room full of animals, with poor shepherds as their only guests and well-wishers. Sometimes, more is going on than we think…a lot more!

Recently, Erica received a phone call at the church office from an 88-year-old woman. She is not a member of St. Peter’s, but she attends our worship services regularly. She found us online and enjoys worshipping with us because she struggles to attend her church community on Sundays. The woman shared that she loves how St. Peter’s projects the songs and all the words in the service so she can participate at home. “I sing along with all the hymns out loud, say the Lord’s Prayer, and recite the creed with you!”

What a wonderful reminder that we never know who we are impacting and affecting! Thank you to our amazing—often unseen—volunteers who run our camera system and troubleshoot on the fly! (I’m looking at you, Chris Beckner, Bruce & Karrie Kishel-Roberts, Bobby & Luka Kotarsky, Greg Rudinsky, Bruce Swaney, and Rhonda Typovsky!!).

I wonder if that is a challenge for all of us this Advent Season? As we wait for Jesus’ arrival, can we pay a little closer attention to the faces that are right in front of us? Who do we see?

-How is that worker at the grocery or server at the restaurant doing? Ask them. And listen!

-Is a new kid struggling to find their place at your school? Smile. Ask them their name. Tell them that you are glad they are here!

-Who is struggling right in front of us? A neighbor? A friend? A co-worker? How might you relieve even a tiny bit of their suffering?

…for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Blessings for a watchful Advent journey!

Pastor Jim