At a recent meeting in Detroit, Lisa Jeffreys, the Team Leader for the Proclaim Justice (service) day that will happen at the ELCA Youth Gathering shared that when she first started her planning she met with a group of organizations with whom she hoped to partner for the servant events. She explained all the work Gathering participants did in 2009 and 2012 in New Orleans, she described the masses of orange shirts in neighborhoods as they worked, she shared the passion youth bring to a city. When she finished, she looked up to a silent room of faces she couldn't read. So she continued - "It's going to be great! They want to serve and learn from all of you. They're super excited to come!" After another long pause, one of the leaders in the room finally spoke up. "This is really nice, Lisa. But they won't come. People always tell us they will come, but in the end they don't show up."

During Advent we wait. We watch. We wonder. Will God show up? Can God break through whatever darkness we find ourselves in? We wait with the shepherds on a dark night...will God show up? We watch with the magi following a star because of a prophecy...will God show up? We wonder with the people of Detroit working to change its course...will God show up? We wait with the homeless and those trying to climb out of poverty...will God show up? We watch with those whose hearts have been broken with grief...will God show up? We wonder with youth who face bullies on a daily basis...will God show up?

Yes, we wait. We watch. We wonder. We do so with hope, because we know that we DO have a God who shows up. In the unexpected places. To the unexpected people. To do unexpected things with unexpected love. May you remember the hope and promise of Immanuel - God With Us - a God who shows up, this season...and throughout the seasons of your life and ministry.

Together in Christ,  

Catherine Anderson