Wow…two more weeks and Advent is here; the start of the Christmas season.  The only thing we need now is a little snow.  Yesterday I thought my wish was coming true as I saw snow flurries flying furiously (try saying that 5 times fast).  But unfortunately the fast flying flurries did not last long.  In the matter of minutes the only evidence that something happened was some wet roads and sidewalks.  Oh well, at least I got to see some snow.

On a personal note:  I have a parishioner here at Salem slowly dying.  Gordon (80-some years old) had a stroke a couple weeks back.  At first things looked O.K.  The doctors at first were talking about a long road of rehab.  Gordon would go to a nursing home to get stronger then return to Sioux Falls for the rehab.  The very next day, after I got the nursing home news, I got news that Gordon was now in hospice care (and as most of you know hospice means less than 6 months to live).  Yesterday I got a call from the family that the time is close.  As of now, Gordon is still alive, but it won’t be much longer.  Please remember Jean (Gordon’s wife) and his family in your prayers.  Gordon has done a lot for this church AND community.  Gordon is going to be greatly missed by many, many people.  Gordon has been like a grandpa to Connie and I.

Let us pray…
Loving God, the signs of the times are among us.  There are wars around the world.  There is suffering among us.  There is conflict all around; nations arising against nations.  And even in some cases neighbors rising up against neighbors.  Sometimes we don’t know what to say, what to do or even how to respond.  But in a quick moment of grace we are reminded that this life is not all there is.  The stuff happening around us are only signs…events reminding us of something greater.  You said we would experience suffering, but also that this suffering would last only for a moment.  I pray that Gordon’s suffering is short, but I also know that the life Gordon, and all of us will experience (thanks to Jesus) is a life like no other.  No suffering, pain or death, but only joy, happiness and peace.  Thank you for that gift.  Help us to look past the signs and to your promise…for that is where our strength comes from.  To you be all honor and praise and glory forever and ever.  Amen! (Scripture reference: Luke 21:5-19)

God bless you this day and always as we live in and with the signs of the times knowing that life eternal awaits us.  God bless and take care!

-edh-