Father Paul's Ponderings

Happy Birthday to You!

             This rather time worn expression has been proclaimed for more over a century (I think) to
announce congratulations for achieving a certain age and the celebrations that follow. The phrase probably
goes back to the Roman Goddess Hera who was associated with child birth. It’s a song we have always known.

             Sometimes, Christian Ed teachers co-opt the popular expression and sing it on Christmas day. After
all, Jesus had a birthday, didn’t he? And, he got presents, didn’t he? So there. The logic is incontrovertible,
at least for children.

             Our Junior Warden mentioned to me that there is a significant birthday in the month of December
when this congregation or worship group had its first service at the Gettys residence and later down the street
at Bo Bo’s BBQ. It’s an interesting connection that The Episcopal Church on Edisto has a birthday just
before the Lord we follow has his birthday. Pretty cosmic isn’t it?

             Well, so much for fun. Compare the two events. Each was created from struggle and rejection, each
found a humble place in which to begin. Most significantly, each is a light to a particular world, Jesus
beginning in the First Century and the Episcopal Church on Edisto in 2012. The light hasn’t faltered or
gone out. It shines to illuminate a direction to travel and the obstacles along the way. It’s been rocky,
bumpy, and there have been challenges to overcome, but we travel together with our Lord. We may only
be a miniscule glimmer of the light of Christ, but we are important to those who depend upon it. It will
continue to shine and cast away darkness for as long as we are here. Thanks be to God.
 
Prayer for the Mission of the Church
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our
witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives
​and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen
 ​