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Reclaim - Monday Musing, November 29, 2021

Dear Church,


Reclaim – to get back something that was lost or taken away. On the television news over the Thanksgiving weekend, I heard someone say that they were “reclaiming” the holiday. The family had been forced apart due to the coronavirus global pandemic. Images of joy-filled holiday travelers greeting loved ones in airports were captured in this news broadcast. The concept of reclaiming something that was lost is not new to people of faith.

For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells parables about a lost sheep (15:4-7), a lost coin (15:8-10), and a lost son (15:11-24). Each of these stories highlights God’s love for everyone as being so great that God seeks each one out and rejoices when he or she is “found.” Pictures of joy-filled faces, hugging, crying, and holding onto one another as they reclaim a COVID-denied holiday tradition warm our hearts, seeing happy images of people talking excitedly about (once again) being together with family and friends. But such delight in the lives of some may not be the reality for all.


As much as we all want to reclaim what has been taken away from us because of the global pandemic, this past weekend’s Thanksgiving – as well as the upcoming Christmas holiday – may not be a happy time for some. This may be the first holiday without a loved one, COVID concerns may keep some reunions on-hold, or there may be a family estrangement or no family at all. As a community of faith, we should be attentive to those who may be having a difficult time, this year, and every year. We cannot take away feelings people have for what has been lost, but we can bring God’s love and share our care and concern.


The lingering pandemic may keep many of us closer to home this year, impacting usual family traditions. As we enter the Advent season, The Federated Church of Orleans is a place where we can claim, proclaim, and share God’s love – something that can never be taken away from us. May the words of this beloved hymn give you comfort: “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.” May you find God’s Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love this season. See you in church!


Faithfully,

Darren


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