Friends and Neighbors, 

Happy Thanksgiving! The call to gratitude shows up in many scriptures, psychological studies, and popular culture. Apparently it is good for us to give thanks. I have found that to be true. We can be thankful for the grace we know without ignoring personal problems, doubts, and injustices. I am grateful to be part of a community that invites us to express joy and gratitude while also sharing grief and calling for change. 

This Sunday marks a change as we enter the season of Advent. This season that leads us to a child born in a manger also calls us to look at how Christ comes in our time. Advent calls for active waiting as we hear commands to "be awake" and pray that God will come among us and "stir up" divine power. Jesus called disciples and empowered them to share God's love. Christ empowers us to share hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Sometimes we get it and we have moments where we miss the mark. 

Even moments of weakness can open us up to gratitude. That weakness can be a deliberate sin and can appear as a paralyzing confusion about how to respond. God's grace reminds me that Christ forgives and empowers even those who stumble. We claim that grace for all and declare that there is hope in any situation. Advent is a time when we are reminded to light those candles of grace, hope, and love, even or especially when there is deep darkness. 

Give thanks that you are a beloved child of God. Remember that we translate the word "Eucharist" as "Great Thanksgiving". The church has a meal to give thanks by receiving the gift of Christ's self to us. Give thanks, be awake, and give the love away. 

Peace,

Fr. John Mark