Pastor’s Corner: A Gift from Me

December 5, 2018

I hope you’ve received a gift from me this Advent.

Um. Don’t rush out to your mailbox to look for a package. I’m afraid neither my means nor my organizational skills are up to that.

But do look at “An Advent of Giving” devotional, prepared with the assistance of the Deacons. I sincerely hope that its twenty-five reflections and prayers do come to you as a gift. I hope something touches you. I hope something informs you. I hope something fills you.

More, I hope something inspires you.

You see, the best part of a devotional is the writing. The best part of a reflection is the thinking. The best part of a prayer is the praying.

In this reflection, I hope to offer you another gift: the gift of your own study, your own thinking, your own prayer. It’s through those things – your own actions – that you will deepen your relationship with God. It’s through those things that you will come to a fuller understanding of God’s love for you. It’s through those things that you will become more yourself in God’s eyes.

It might not be as exciting as the box of goodies you’re not finding in your mailbox.

It might also be the best gift you receive this Christmas – and you’ll have given it to yourself.

With aloha,

Pastor Eric