Advent 2: We Can’t Go Alone
In spite of all the messaging centering on the value of being independent, interdependence is what we need to foster.
The second week in Advent is traditionally the week of Peace. This year we have added to that and our theme is “We can’t go alone.” The quilt image is the log cabin pattern which is a solid symbol for home and community.
Isolation and a sense of loneliness are common and, in some ways, always have been. The messages in our culture are so often focused on independence. We are inundated with messaging that reinforces the idea that when we do everything on our own we are stronger.
The reality is that we are strongest when we live in communities of interdependence. Only when we realize that we are connected and that nobody gets where they are alone. This applies to situations we desire and value as well as situations we wish to avoid and devalue.
When we remember the words of Naomi to Ruth, “Where you go, I will go. Your people shall be my people…” we can make some positive changes. If we consider every human as beloved, as deserving of recognition, as being “our people,” then we can build sacred community.
We can’t go alone, not just during the holiday season, but always. We can’t go alone and neither can anyone else. In spite of all the messaging centering on the value of being independent, interdependence is what we need to foster.
We are, indeed, stronger together. If this is true for us, it’s true for everyone.
This Sunday we will turn our attention to Joy and doing the good that is ours to do. And all give you a hint, Joy comes in a variety of ways and seldom when we expect it. And it is intensified when it is shared.
Maybe take some time in the coming days to reach out to someone who is alone and may be feeling isolated and lonely.
Wherever you are during this holiday season, you are not alone and you are beloved. We are on this journey together.
About Rachael Keefe
Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.
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What a beautiful message, Rachael, about the strength of being in community! I will reach out to someone, too, and let them know they are not alone. Thank you!
Thank you, Anita! We need one another.