There I was, being my usual self – all task-focused, calendar-driven, “get it all done now” — when came…….the interruption.  Most of the time, I am able to handle these gracefully, because…..well, that’s what the “gig” calls for (please pardon my music mode).  I was almost on the verge of exasperation this time, however. Thankfully, I stopped myself short and made the wise choice to drop what I was doing.  I quickly was reminded that ministry occurs in the interruptions.

Except this time, I was about to be the one ministered to.

Sometimes grace happens in the interruptions.

I had almost forgotten what I have been preaching the last few weeks in this season of interruptions known as Advent. I have been preaching about “hitting the pause button” on the crazy busy-ness of Christmas in order to savor, take in, the expectation of the Nativity. Another lesson nearly forgotten: rob time from what we think is important, in order to engage in what is essential.

How was I ministered to? It was a reminder of a grace-full story of righteous giving. I have read the book; been inspired and humbled by it. It was a reminder of how good God is. A reminder of how blessed I am. I inwardly smiled, bemused by how self-centered I can be, on my own singular trajectory.

The essential is Advent. Grace. Stillness. Expectation. Even though our tasks seem oh so important, our calendar chock-full of busy-ness to get ready for Christmas, our agendas need the interruptions that will invariably occur, taking us off our game and re-centering us on the essential, priceless grace in the gift of Jesus.

By His coming into the world, God proves yet again in this week of anticipation and readiness that He loves us unconditionally.

Pastor Art