This post was originally published in the November 27th, 2020 edition of the E-Crier.

From the Rector
Fearful expectations of Advent

With COVID infections exploding across our beloved nation, many of us are filled with fearful expectations. The news of upcoming vaccines continues to excite us; with fearful expectations, we are hopeful that the pandemic's days are numbered. But such expectations should not blind us from the havoc that the pandemic has wrought among us -- our lives have been transformed in various ways. If we thought individualism was the norm, today we miss the days when we smiled at each other and went about our lives without the fear of catching the virus. The vaccines have raised expectations, but many lives are still to be lost. Empty seats on our Thanksgiving Dinner spoke to the pain the pandemic has wrought on us. But we must not forget that God is with us.

This Sunday, we observe Advent--the time we officially begin a new Christian year. Like we virtually celebrated Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, and Pentecost, Advent comes at the time of fearful expectations. The gospel reading for this Sunday may seem too distanced from the expectations of the coming of the Lord celebrated during the Advent season. It speaks of immense sufferings as opposed to Peace associated with the Prince of Peace, born in vulnerability as opposed to powerful glorification. As God's children, we dwell in fearful expectations of divine fellowship. In times of pandemics, darkness, sufferings, and persecutions, there God is. We must not allow ourselves to be discouraged; rather we must remain faithful and steadfast knowing that our God is with us.

As we look to Christmas, we will sing those Christmas hymns of joy amidst the pandemic. Like the virtual Pageant, Mary Kerr's idea of virtual Christmas carol service is inspiring. We are asking families and choir members to volunteer to sing a carol or read a lesson. We will then put a pre-recorded service together to be streamed on December 27, 2020. Please consider yourself asked.

Please join us for our Eucharist Service on Sunday at 10am on our YouTube Channel.

In Christ,
Rev. Kapya Kaoma