February Pastor Letter
Dear Friends,
January was a hard month for our church. We have had six deaths since Christmas. I was glad to turn the page of the calendar to February...even though February is a curious month. It starts with Ground Hogs' Day, when people watch to see if Groundhog Phil will see his shadow, and if so, then six more weeks of winter. And if not, the groundhog predicts an early spring (we’ll see!).
Next comes Valentine’s Day, when people give cards and candy to express their love for their sweetheart. February can be a dark month of winter, and so having a little light of love makes it seem brighter.
On the church calendar, this is a curious time of year, too. This month, we celebrate the end of the season of Epiphany with Transfiguration Sunday. What began with the magi following a star to Bethlehem to see the newborn king Jesus, ends with the disciples following Jesus up a mountain where he is transfigured before their eyes, filled with light.
Just when our eyes are adjusting to the bright light and we are giving thanks for the presence and power of the light of Christ on Transfiguration Sunday, three days later, is Ash Wednesday. The light starts to dim as we begin to follow Jesus on the journey to the cross. Knowing that the journey will end in crucifixion and death, we hesitate. We look to see if there is another way around. Is there a way to bypass the penitence of Ash Wednesday and the darkness of Good Friday and go straight to the joy of Easter Sunday?
In her book Kneeling in Jerusalem, Ann Weems wrote a reflection called The Walk:
Those of us who walk along this road
do so reluctantly.
Lent is not our favorite time of year.
We’d rather be more active--
planning and scurrying around.
All this is too contemplative to suit us.
Besides we don’t know what to do
with piousness and prayer.
Perhaps we’re afraid to have time to think,
for thoughts come unbidden.
Perhaps we’re afraid to face our future
knowing our past.
Give us the courage, O God,
to hear your word
and to read our living into it.
Give us the trust to know we’re forgiven,
and give us the faith
to take up our lives and walk.
There is only one way to get to Easter Sunday. We have to walk through Lent.
But, because Jesus walked that lonesome valley himself, we don’t have to walk alone. Jesus shows us the way.
Because Jesus carried the cross, we don’t have to carry our sins and burdens. Jesus shows us the truth.
Because Jesus died and rose from the dead, we don’t have to fear death. Jesus shows us the life.
Jesus promises that God is with us as we journey through Lent and through life. With every step, our fears get smaller and our faith gets stronger, the light gets brighter and the way seems clearer.
This month in worship, we have been singing with the children, “This Little Light of Mine.”
It’s a simple song with a profound message. We each have a light within us. We may feel, especially this time of year, that our light is small and insufficient to face the darkness of the world or even within our own souls. But, the light is brighter than you think. Especially when we walk in the footsteps of the one who faced the deepest darkness to bring us into everlasting light. And especially when we realize that we do not walk alone.
So, together, let us pray, “Give us courage not to be afraid of Lent.”
Together, let us shine our lights, singing, “Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”
And together, with faith, let us take up our lives and walk.
Walking with you on the Lenten journey,
Pastor Donna