Before I forget&
     
    Can you believe it?  Christmas is right around the corner.  What to give?  To your parents who have everything.  To your kids who want everything.  To your friends who would like anything.  Sometimes we spend a lot of energy on things that will have little meaning in the not too distant future.  Christmastime always brings out the "gimme's"& - "I want this"& "Get me that."  Of course you'd like to give your kids everything they desire, but finances and your better judgment keep you from doing that.
     As we look to Christmas and a new year, let's look back over 2001.  What do we see?  Terrorist attacks, international unrest, renewed patriotism, return to prayer, an uncertain stock market, soaring house prices, gas price hikes, layoffs.  This past year has people questioning what's important and what isn't.  What are the gifts we are leaving with family, friends, and people who share the spiritual journey with us at St. John's?  Not the gifts we wrap and put under the tree, but the ones given from the heart.
     The Advent readings and hymns speak of Emmanuel, which translates, "God with us".  The events of 2001 are a reminder to me that God is with us& I sincerely believe that, and I hope you do too.  God calls us to be a light in the darkness, a light to people who are searching for answers and who are looking to us for the real meaning of life.  God gifts each one of us and wants us to give these gifts to others.  As we live together in families, parishes, civic communities, etc., are we giving people what they really need, or what we think they need?  What does God want us to give to one another?
     People are seeking authentic answers to unexplainable (and often unanswerable) life questions.  Beginning December 25, we celebrate the birth of the Son of God for 12 days.  We believe that Jesus of Nazareth is our Savior.  We worship God through him.  We are His followers.  We call ourselves Christians.  What are the gifts we are giving as followers of Christ?  How are we affecting the world for Christ?  Do we use the gifts that will really make a difference in the lives of those receiving them? 
     The older I get, the less I need.  Every year I realize more and more that our wonderful God has lavished each one of us with incredible gifts.  Do you believe that God has given you special gifts to give away to others?  And somebody might need you to offer your gifts to them this Christmas season or in 2002.
     During this Advent season, reconnect with God as a child connects with a parent.  Allow yourself to be excited again about God's gift of love.  Learn to rest in God's safety and security.  Simply sit in the presence of God and be surrounded by God's love.  Open yourself to God and recapture the gift of childlike love and trust for a parent& for God is our parent.
     Some gifts only a parent can give to a child.  And some gifts only God can give us& like God's unconditional love.  Once we realize how much God loves us, we invite our family members, friends and others to experience the love of God, the God Jesus called Abba, "Daddy".  No one has all the answers to the mystery of life.  It is meant to be lived in love. 
     This season, give the gift of real love& a love that comes from God& a love you live in.

     Fr. Bill