11/30: The Gift of Others

 As we step further into the season of Advent, I’ve been sitting with our scripture for this week: Luke 1:26–45. It’s the beautiful story of Mary receiving life-changing news—and immediately being connected to someone who understands her. God sends her to Elizabeth, who welcomes her with joy, affirms her calling, and reminds her that she is not alone.

One of my favorite parts of this passage is that before Mary sings her famous Magnificat, she is held in community. Before she proclaims her faith, she is blessed. God does not call her into isolation but into relationship. It’s a reminder that God often works through the gift of others to strengthen and encourage us.

This theme runs through our worship this week.

  • Our Opening Hymn, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” echoes our longing and expectation—just as Mary waited and wondered what God was doing in her life.

  • Our choir anthem, “Advent Song” by Paul Zach, captures a quiet, heartfelt longing for God to come close and make all things new.

  • And our Sending Hymn, “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” lifts our eyes to the bigger picture: all creation joining in the chorus of praise.

As a choir, as a congregation, as a faith community, we experience God’s presence not only in prayer and scripture, but in the people we journey with. Every Sunday, I see this in the way we sing together, greet one another, laugh, share burdens, and stand side by side at the communion table. These relationships are part of God’s design for authentic, life-giving community.

My hope this Advent is that we all become a little more like Mary and Elizabeth—ready to bless, encourage, and remind each other that God is at work, even in the waiting.

Let’s continue to sing with hope, listen with love, and celebrate the gift of one another.

Grace and peace,
Music Tom

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