Matters of Interpretation

We learned that the wife of one of our dear classmates passed away early this morning.

It shades everything. Here, now, in the middle of this hectic season of relentless merriment, we are thinking of our friend and of loss and of grief …

We often say, I often say, that “we don’t just have an other-worldly faith,” that “we’re not just obsessed with what happens to us after we die,” that “we care about life here and now.” Faith makes a difference here, now; life in Christ is deeper and richer here, now.

But that isn’t the whole story, either.

From sorrow, toil, and pain
and sin we shall be free,
and perfect love and friendship reign
through all eternity.

We are, indeed, still waiting and longing for that fullness of joy that is beyond death and loss and grief.

It is, indeed, still Advent.