Alka's Angle

The ongoing wildfires in California, relentless genocide of Palestinian people, continued climate change, upcoming transfer of power in the political makeup of our country, and much more that our world is experiencing; so much is changing around us, some of which causes a lot of anxiety within us. Change, in general, can be hard, and also brings moments where life’s greatest possibilities can emerge. 

As I sit in my front room, watching the snow come down slowly, covering all the parked cars, I am grateful that I can work from home, and I am mindful of the unhoused who hopefully have found refuge in libraries and coffee shops. And I am holding the people of California in God’s care as they struggle through another disaster that is disrupting their daily lives and devastating the area, even as we speak. According to reports, more than 9000 structures have been destroyed, not even counting the people who are displaced. 

Here we are- entering into a new year, and I don’t know about you but I enter the year with much trepidation and hope to find ways to stay resilient and strong in my commitment to do what I am called to do. 

Wherever you were on Christmas eve/day, I trust you were able to welcome the memory of Christ coming to this earth in the form of a human whom we called Jesus and you found ways to make room for the less privileged also- by sharing, by donating, by even just seeing them eye to eye and recognizing their existence around us, and I pray we were able to see a glimpse of Jesus in them. 

During this season of Advent, I have said these words as we end our worship services- “..and may the Spirit lead us into possibilities of hospitality that we haven’t imagined, making room in The Inn for all.” I am reminded of these words every day as I read the news, look around the neighborhood or even follow the social media: the need seems to be growing because support is decreasing.