Advent Devotion: December 14, 2024
How Community Takes Place
by Cristi Wunsch
Scripture – Luke 1:56 (NRSVue) And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
Reflection
When Helene hit Western North Carolina, there was no way to prepare for something that a community had never experienced. What do we do? How do we do it? How do we even begin to identify what needs to be done? I asked a young person from a local college who was helping to put together a distribution center and he said, “you just start”.
I’ve never seen a tent the size of an office building erected so quickly, filled to the brim with water, clothing, food, etc. Then a parking lot filled with emergency services and 8 different non-profit organizations all working together within days of the disaster. Small boats, atvs, climbers who would load up supplies on their backs to reach people with no way to get out. There are no words for the feelings it invoked.
Mary went to Elizabeth after finding out she was with child and stayed with her. In verse 39 it says that Mary “went with haste” and in verse 56 “remained with her about three months”. I can imagine Mary helping Elizabeth with her household and preparing for the birth of John. I can picture them making a place for John, cooking together, cleaning; overjoyed at the blessing bestowed upon Elizabeth.
I can imagine these things clearly. A community coming together and not just those who experienced it but those who came from all over. A larger community. Our individual contributions matter, our time spent investing in our communities matters. When it comes down to it, in the aftermath of destruction (no matter the circumstance) the first line is the community you have built around you. It is the deep down, bone deep love that you have for the community and people around you that pulls you through.
Mary was one person. I am one person. You are one person. We are all part of a larger community that needs what we can offer. It isn’t about money. It isn’t about political affiliation. It isn’t about what hasn’t happened yet.
It is about your heart; here and now. The effort is ongoing. If you haven’t yet, find a place and plug in. Your community will be grateful for whatever you bring to the table.
How Community Takes Place
by Cristi Wunsch
Scripture – Luke 1:56 (NRSVue) And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
Reflection
When Helene hit Western North Carolina, there was no way to prepare for something that a community had never experienced. What do we do? How do we do it? How do we even begin to identify what needs to be done? I asked a young person from a local college who was helping to put together a distribution center and he said, “you just start”.
I’ve never seen a tent the size of an office building erected so quickly, filled to the brim with water, clothing, food, etc. Then a parking lot filled with emergency services and 8 different non-profit organizations all working together within days of the disaster. Small boats, atvs, climbers who would load up supplies on their backs to reach people with no way to get out. There are no words for the feelings it invoked.
Mary went to Elizabeth after finding out she was with child and stayed with her. In verse 39 it says that Mary “went with haste” and in verse 56 “remained with her about three months”. I can imagine Mary helping Elizabeth with her household and preparing for the birth of John. I can picture them making a place for John, cooking together, cleaning; overjoyed at the blessing bestowed upon Elizabeth.
I can imagine these things clearly. A community coming together and not just those who experienced it but those who came from all over. A larger community. Our individual contributions matter, our time spent investing in our communities matters. When it comes down to it, in the aftermath of destruction (no matter the circumstance) the first line is the community you have built around you. It is the deep down, bone deep love that you have for the community and people around you that pulls you through.
Mary was one person. I am one person. You are one person. We are all part of a larger community that needs what we can offer. It isn’t about money. It isn’t about political affiliation. It isn’t about what hasn’t happened yet.
It is about your heart; here and now. The effort is ongoing. If you haven’t yet, find a place and plug in. Your community will be grateful for whatever you bring to the table.
