Now He gently leads us; With Himself He feeds us
Precious food from heaven, Pledge of peace here given,
Manna that will nourish Souls that they may flourish.
(LSB 333:2)
Several years ago, Linda Ellis wrote, “The Dash,” a poem encouraging each of us to examine the time between our birth and death while encouraging the reader to make changes when and where necessary. Part of one stanza, “If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real,” has made me ponder the following questions:
Do I realize the Babe in the manger, Jesus, is the same body placed in the palm of my hand each time I receive the Sacrament?
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks,
he broke it and gave it to them saying,
“This is my body, which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19
Do I truly believe that Jesus-human yet God-IS the Present given to us in love giving all believers the gift of everlasting life?
And the angel said to them,
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David,
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be a sign for you;
you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths
and lying in a manger. Luke 2:10-12
Do I accept the privilege of being present, to share His Gospel of peace with all who will hear, as the calling of my life, and do I do this in a way pleasing to God?
Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
What am I doing to ensure my soul is nourished through the Word, prayer, and worship especially during this time of year?
“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways.
Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.
Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord,
but he who fails to find me injures himself;
all who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36
Let me ask you, how are you spending your dash, your moments between birth and your heavenly rest? Are you present, or are you like me, just trying to make it through these hectic days of this Advent season?
Let’s encourage each other to slow down, to take time to reflect on Jesus, to accept God’s gift of hope and peace, and realize how important our “dash” is to the proclamation of Hope through the gift of Jesus Christ.
Linda Guteres
Grace Lutheran Church, Mastic Beach
Past District President, Treasurer, LWML AD
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