Pastor's Reflection 2024-11-21
December is here and there are obvious changes in the world around us. It was just a few short weeks ago that I was walking around in shorts and zoris (flip flops), but now the air has taken on a crisp chill that beckons a jacket from the back of my closet. I am well aware that even colder days lay ahead. The trees, that only a few months ago were heavy with green leaves, are now displaying brilliant red, orange and golden leaves. Soon those same trees will be completely bare. And the Christmas spirit is everywhere—the lights, the wreaths, the Christmas tree lots, each one adds their own warmth to the season. And finally, the days are noticeably shorter. My 6:00am morning walk/run with Hachiko (my 11-month-old pup) are now done with a headlamp to light our way in the darkness.
In the midst of these shorter days and longer nights, I am reminded of the words from Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Even in the darkest times, change is constant, and each season carries its own purpose. December brings the shortest days of the year, and it’s easy to feel the effects of the darkness. Yet, as people of faith, we are invited to look beyond the short dark and sometimes difficult days and seek the light of God that shines and guides us forward.
The winter might seem to drag on forever, but the light is coming. It always does! Advent implores us to remember that no matter how dark it may seem, there is always light to be found. No matter how difficult life gets, God will always be there for you. The light of God may come in big ways or in small, quiet moments: the laughter of a loved one, the taste of a perfectly ripe persimmon, or the bright glow of a headlamp during a cold and dark morning dog walk.
Please join us this Advent Season for our Sermon Series entitled “Season of Advent at Wesley: Lighting the Way”. Each week we will explore a different theme which will draw closer to the essence of the Advent season. I also hope you will attend Wesley’s beautiful and festive Christmas Eve Candlelight worship service on December 24 at 4:00pm. It will be Hawaiian themed so please feel free to come in your favorite Aloha wear!
I am looking forward to walking with you all this Advent Season. And as we walk, we will remember God’s promise that even in the darkest season, God’s light will eventually shine. May you and your family find peace, joy, warmth and light in this season of preparation, waiting and wonder.
Advent Blessings!
Rev. John Oda
In the midst of these shorter days and longer nights, I am reminded of the words from Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Even in the darkest times, change is constant, and each season carries its own purpose. December brings the shortest days of the year, and it’s easy to feel the effects of the darkness. Yet, as people of faith, we are invited to look beyond the short dark and sometimes difficult days and seek the light of God that shines and guides us forward.
The winter might seem to drag on forever, but the light is coming. It always does! Advent implores us to remember that no matter how dark it may seem, there is always light to be found. No matter how difficult life gets, God will always be there for you. The light of God may come in big ways or in small, quiet moments: the laughter of a loved one, the taste of a perfectly ripe persimmon, or the bright glow of a headlamp during a cold and dark morning dog walk.
Please join us this Advent Season for our Sermon Series entitled “Season of Advent at Wesley: Lighting the Way”. Each week we will explore a different theme which will draw closer to the essence of the Advent season. I also hope you will attend Wesley’s beautiful and festive Christmas Eve Candlelight worship service on December 24 at 4:00pm. It will be Hawaiian themed so please feel free to come in your favorite Aloha wear!
I am looking forward to walking with you all this Advent Season. And as we walk, we will remember God’s promise that even in the darkest season, God’s light will eventually shine. May you and your family find peace, joy, warmth and light in this season of preparation, waiting and wonder.
Advent Blessings!
Rev. John Oda
Posted in Newsletter 2024-11-21 02