In our church of St. Timothy’s, and I would guess in many of the other churches, we have a phrase that we use in many ways “The Lord be with you!” the congregation replies “ and also with you!”
Before I began to write this message, I was thinking through this morning’s service and the phrase ‘the Lord be with you’ kept coming to mind. I am wondering what it means to say this as we enter into Advent and the birth of the Christ child. Personally, this phrase reminds me that the Lord is always with me even when I move away – he just moves closer! He is as near to me as my breath.
This phrase is not only a way to get the attention of a congregation but to offer a blessing - a blessing profoundly personal. I don’t know how this phrase will impact the one who hears it but I hope that the realization the Lord is with them helps them to navigate their day and life. It is a blessing profound and deep said with conviction and belief in the gifts of the advent season – hope, peace, joy and love. So my friends:
The Lord be with you, may he inhabit your life, may he walk before you, with you, behind you and in front of you. May he be with you in joy and in sorrow, may he guide you and bless you richly, may he dry your tears and fill your life with joy and blessings.
Merry Christmas!
Rev Jo Ann Hinter
St Timothy’s Anglican Church
