Hopes & Fears

“What are your hopes?” Dr. Middleton asked the children in chapel on Sunday as we were discussing the words to the carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”.  Immediately they began naming toys on their Christmas wish list. Then, one second grade girl leaned in and looked me in the eye stating, “I know what I hope for. I hope to see God and Jesus in person one day.”

I believe she was onto something profound. Her hope expresses our deep human longing for an encounter with the Divine. Good news, little girl! The Mystery of Christmas is God coming to us as Jesus, a baby,  in person. And this baby king who came to us is still coming. This is full of mystery! 

I wonder what God entering this world as a child says to us about who God is? I wonder how God continues to be present with us through the children among us and the child who is within each of us?

As I wrap up my time as Theologian in Residence at Good Shepherd my hope is that I will see the Christ Child, God-With-Us in you and me and every child! And that Episopal Church of the Good Shepherd will forever be a place where children learn from adults AND adults learn from children. 

With Wonder and Deep Gratitude,

Cynthia