How Does a Weary World Rejoice?

Yesterday evening I made chicken soup. While making the broth, I mused that it was a strange choice for a New Year’s Day celebration. However, something in me felt drawn to the simple and homely. After a few weeks of feasting and festivities, I craved something as familiar and ordinary as a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup. 

The old year lies behind us now. The new year lies ahead, unclear and unknown. As we enter into another lap around the sun, aware of the possibility of both great light and great darkness, a return to the familiar routines of ordinary life can be grounding. We’re ready for some soup. 

Our life together as a community is a homely weaving of rituals and rhythms that tether us to one another and to God. We gather together. We say our warm hellos. We sing. We confess. We remind each other that we are beloved and forgiven children of God. We pass the peace. We listen to scripture and stories. We say our prayers and share our bread. We go out with a blessing to share the love and serve. Like chicken soup, our worship is ordinary. 

These familiar rhythms and rituals can feel at times comforting, at times humdrum. All the while, folding into the familiar, the epiphany of God is happening. God meets us in these rituals. We are once again reminded that God is near, with us and for us.

We are not alone. There is hope for our weary world. There is room for joy.

As for me, I am so looking forward to seeing your faces again soon:) 

Anne

Rev. Anne Baxter Smith
Pastor, The Church at Southpoint