A couple of years ago, I was invited to offer a seminar on Self-Care While Caring For Others as part of the Simpson Lectures for Acadia Divinity College. The president of the college, Dr. Anna Robbins, who is also the Dean of Theology for Acadia University, wrote a kind endorsement posted on my speaking information page. I’ve continued to follow her ministry and leadership, which includes monthly words of encouragement. Each video is about five minutes.
I was especially struck by her Advent words of encouragement centered on Jesus in the rubble. Here are a few highlights followed by the video:
Jesus is not only coming one day in victory where he will set everything right according to his love and justice, but he’s here today in our midst. Here he comes into our very lives, into all the mess and the pain and the joy and the celebration. He comes into it all and is found in the midst of it all.
He comes whatever the situation. And whatever the scene.
He comes to you. Yes, to you. And not only to those you serve. He sees and knows. He comes to you and embraces the whole of your life and ministry, and declares, “You are not alone. I am here.”
December 2023 Encouragement from Acadia Divinity College on Vimeo.
So as you wait for Christmas—which for most serving ministers is more like running than waiting—may you encounter Jesus on the run with you.
Jesus is with us, on the run and in the rubble.
When You Work for the Church 
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