MDB: Sorry once again for the delay: My family ended up babysitting most of Christmas Eve for hour neighbor. but here are the final two chapters at last!
Hi everyone! So, this is my last chapter in this series, and by far the most personal for me to write. This year has been a struggle for me in many ways and I found myself asking the same questions that Morgan does in this chapter. But the Advent season has been the perfect time for me to reflect and renew my faith in the Great and Merciful God who is not dead nor sleeping. Modern has her last chapter going up tomorrow, but I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and may the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, rest on you this blessed season. With Love- Endurance
I don't own the character, prayers, or song mention in this story.
Song: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Preferred Version: Frank Sinatra
Somehow Morgan always found himself back here. Back in this little half empty church, contemplating all of life's great mysteries. Today's mystery- Where was God?
Derek felt that the question was somewhat rhetorical, after all God was not living and walking among them today . . . at least not in any physical form. But at the same time it was a question he very much wanted to be answered, because everywhere he looked all he saw was evil. So here he was scooting into the closet pew he could get as the congregation finished their last hymn and the priest approached the podium.
Father Matthew was a kindly, old priest that Morgan had visited with several times. He told thing like they were, and Morgan liked that. So he was only mildly surprised at Father Matthew's next words.
"Wars, rumors of wars, bombings, mass shootings, criminals running rampant, riots, and natural disasters. These have all been staples of conversation in the news over the past year. Many of our own have been touched in some way by one of these things. So, where is God? Where is He in all of this muck and mire?"
Morgan was shocked, but spellbound in equal measures. He put his full attention on the priest, wait to see what he would say to answer such a profound question.
"How can we say peace on earth and goodwill to men this holiday season? When hate runs so rampant and chokes anything good out? Why is God so silent?" The priest paused a moment. "I know you all have families and things to attend to, so I'm going to give you the simplest and best answer that I can.
God is not silent. He speaks to us every single day. The Father moves and works even though we don't realize it."
Derek's quirked an eyebrow. And, the priest, as if sensing his question, looked right at the agent as he continued.
"Teachers, every time you spend an extra moment with one of your student's that need help, God is speaking through you to show His love and attention. Counselors, every time you help guide someone through the grieving process or through a trauma, the Father offers His comfort through you. Parents and guardians, everytime you lead the children in your care through prayers and devotions you lead them to see the very heart of God. First responders, everytime you save a life, bring a criminal in, or work with a victim you are an administrator of acts of justice and mercy which God has ordained you to perform. Every time a friend comes along side you in prayer and encourages you, God is speaking.
Of course there are instances of the miraculous. But if we are indeed ambassadors for Christ, as Paul calls us, then every single thing we do, when done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is God speaking and working."
The priest paused to let his words sink in. Derek certainly had never thought of any of that before. And while he listened to the words, he felt a change in his spirit. A sense of comfort, wrapping around him like one of his mother's hugs.
The priest continued, "Advent is a time when we prepare and celebrate Christ's coming. Both His first coming, where He gave us spiritual victory. But also His eventual second coming where He defeat evil once and for all. Until then, let us be His hands and feet. So that in the words of the old poem the bells of Christmas 'may ring loud and deep, GOD IS NOT DEAD," the priest lighty pounded the podium for emphasis, "Nor does He sleep." Father Matthew motioned for the congregation to stand. "Let us pray."
Derek bowed his head and let the words of the prayer wash over him-
"Let our lives be honest and holy in this present age, as we wait for the happiness to come when our great God reveals himself in glory. Amen."
