Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2023 – Morning

Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already. 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

Illustrated by Clara Guzman, age 11

Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica gives clear instructions about how Christians should live together. He is clearly very happy with this congregation and wants to encourage them to continue to be faithful in the face of persecution, and one of the things he encourages them to do is to, well, encourage!

The Festival of Carols this year was especially delightful, a night of joy and inspiration. My daughter, Clara, played the part of Mary, and she took her role very seriously, considering up to the very day how Mary would have felt, what she might have been thinking, and how she could convey her emotions to the gathered congregation. She was honored to be able to do it, and it was hard work to sit still for over an hour on a hard bench covered in burlap. I’m biased, of course, but I thought she was great.

Afterwards, amidst the congratulatory words from the adults, one of her sixth-grade friends made a point to give her a well-thought-out and gracious compliment. On the way home, she observed that this particular church friend goes out of her way to give people compliments often, and that she has noticed that it changes the tone of the environment. As you are aware, fifth and sixth graders are not typically known for their encouraging behavior, and Clara perceived a distinct lack of compliments among her peers. She decided that she would emulate her church buddy and begin to give lots of compliments, in hopes that it might change the tenor of her classes, but determined to continue even if it doesn’t become a trend.

Certainly, this friend has had this way of life modeled for her at home and in her faith community, for this is one of SMPC’s best gifts. This particular congregation is very good at encouragement, patiently reading along with elementary schoolers during the Call to Worship, sending notes of gratitude to one another, making sure to lift and build one another up. She, and Clara, have grown up in a community that encourages them and encourages them to encourage one another.

As a mother, I am certain that this is the place, aside from home, where my child feels most at home and loved, where she is able to flourish and grow, to try new things, to not be perfect, and to be loved for exactly who she is while being challenged to be more like Jesus. As Director of Spiritual Formation, I hope, pray, and work to make it true for every person who walks through our doors.

During this Advent and Christmas season, let’s be encouragers. Let’s build one another up so we have the strength to do God’s good work in the world.

Creator and Creative God, open our eyes to see the beauty and gifts in the people around us. Help us to be encouragers, to lift and build one another up, so we can do the good work you have for us to do. Amen

Rebecca Guzman, SMPC Director of Spiritual Formation