Our Calling
On December 26, just 24 hours after the celebration of Christ’s birth, our attention was redirected from the birth of Jesus to a life with Jesus. For a few days, we had a break, a brief moment in time to reflect on God’s GIFT to humanity, to us. It was a welcomed break in the routine of life and daily challenges. But on this side of the Christmas songs, children’s excited
faces, family gatherings, and exchanged presents, Pastor Scott invited us to consider our vocation, our calling. “Be ready when God calls you,” he coached.
Be ready for what? Pastor said to be ready to listen, to see, to do!
Personally, one of my favorite Christmas scenes is one of the stories behind THE story. It’s the story of the shepherds doing what shepherds do in the field at night. Suddenly, an angel breaks into their world and declares, “…I bring you good news of great joy…”
Shepherds had an important job to do. Their vocation included making sure the sheep were fed in green fields, led to quiet streams to drink, and generally protected the flock that would, in time, provide clothing and food for the community. Their work had great value. But now – after what they saw and heard – their value as well as the value of their calling grew dramatically.
The shepherds’ vocation, their calling, was about to change forever!
First, they heard the angel’s message and then the heavenly host. Imagine the most glorious sunset you have ever seen; then add angelic figures in the sky and voices singing praises to God for your ears only! After hearing the gospel:
“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see…” The shepherds then went to “see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” I can’t imagine having this experience and keeping it to yourself. And they didn't! They returned to their important jobs. But life was very different for them. From then on, they had a story to tell. They had heard the gospel and seen
God!
You and I have heard the gospel and seen God – in our lives and one another. We have seen the face of Jesus among those in need. Really, we see Jesus every time we look in the mirror.
Having seen what we've seen and heard what we've heard, we go to work! We do our jobs. We live our vocations. But like the shepherds, we have seen and heard too much to act as if nothing has changed. Because we have changed!
If it would help to talk about your calling, the deacons* and pastor are available to serve you.
Joel Hempel, Director of Diaconal Ministry
*Cathleen Albers (cathleenalbers@charter.net, 314-882-2033)
Marcia Hempel (mshempel11@att.net, 314-591-9141),
Bob Jacobson (rjacobson@hy-c.com, 314-941-3512),
Tony Petzoldt, (tonypetzoldt@sbcglobal.net, 618-779-4238), and
Joel Hempel (jhempel411@gmail.com, 314-591-1403).
