Dear Partners in MIssion:
Sunday December 8th we celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Iglesia San Gabriel-Alvarado and the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Was so grateful to have 4 of my Region 4 bishop colleagues with us to commemorate this day.
We celebrated with worship in the morning and then walked the 5 mile parade route. In previous years I have had the honor of participating in this event on horseback. However, due to the rain and slippery roads we chose not to ride, leaving that to the more experienced.
This celebration is one of many ways we live into John the Baptist’s command to prepare the way of the Lord. During Advent there are many festivals across our synod that reflect ways our immigrant church remembers our heritage.
Friday December 6th was Saint Nicholas’ day, special to those of German heritage. December 13th those of Scandinavian heritage will celebrate Santa Lucia. Our Savior’s in Norse continues its annual smorgasbord tradition and just down the road in Cranfills Gap the school district will honor that communities Norwegian heritage with their annual Lutefisk dinner. So many others of course as well.
For those of Mexican and Central American heritage the festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe remembers Juan Diego’s faith in proclaiming the vision of the Virgin Mary. Even when his claims were rejected initially he kept the faith and finally the church recognized his claim and in so doing acknowledged that God comes to all people, regardless of their social status.
These festivals are good reminders to us all that preparing for Jesus’ coming is something we are all called to do. As we enter the longest night’s of the year that gift of darkness gives us time to reflect. To take a moment and prepare ourselves and our communities for the coming of Christ.
So as you prepare, watch, and wait know you do so…
#TogetherInMission,
Bishop Gronberg