Advent

The first Sunday of Advent found NPH at a church other than his own this year, taking part in a couple of really exceptional events. The first was the baptism, which NPH administered, of a child whose parents are very near and dear to us. To stand before a congregation of the faithful and ask these friends to profess their faith in Jesus, the faith of the church, and to promise to raise up their child in that faith, was something that fundamentally altered our relationship. In a good, good way.

We've come a long way from dormitories and a watermelon-colored theater.

Then NPH got to be part of the same friend's installation as pastor at that same church. Specifically, we were asked to give the charge, a brief bit of guidance or counsel to the newly installed. NPH does not presume to have much advice to give anyone, but we did the best with the task we were given and were truly blessed by the opportunity.

Thanks be to God for the embrace of friends and the even stronger embrace of God; this weekend the former mediated the latter.