On The Table

At this time of year, darkness is all around. Most of us wake up in the dark, commute in the dark, and eat most of our meals before the sun comes up or after it's down. If the short days and smudgy skies weren't enough, the cold bite to the air serves as a constant reminder that the world is dormant and waiting for light and warmth to return.

And as liturgical creatures, we recognize how all of this ties into our annual Advent journey. This is a time when we reflect on all of the promises of deliverance that God has made, and as we wait for these promises to be fulfilled. We wait for the darkness in our world to be fully vanquished, and for the sadness all around us-- and in us!-- to be transformed into something brighter.

This Sunday at 10am at Jammin' Java, we'll gather to consider these themes of darkness and the ways in which our Lectionary readings provide some light and some joy. Then afterward, we'll enjoin our regular Eucharistic celebration across the way at Chipotle. A meal which will presumably occur in the daylight and surrounded with the joyful cheer of good friends. We hope to see you at one or both of these ceremonies.

Next week we won't be meeting at Java, but instead will be joining up with Reston Interfaith on Saturday to enjoy another Advent tradition of providing crafts and assistance as kids are invited to choose Christmas gifts for their family members and wrap them up. It's a small way to bring a little light to this dark old world. We hope you can join us. Stay tuned for more details. And don't forget to sign up for the annual Common Table Christmas Party next Sunday evening (the 18th, from 4-8, at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum)!

Waiting with you,
Mike Stavlund