December 8, 2024
Theme: A Path of Peace
Scripture: Luke 3:1-6
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Grace and peace to you all on this holy day of the Second Sunday of Advent.
Today, as we reflect on the theme “A Path of Peace” from Luke 3:1-6, we are reminded of John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way of the Lord. This call challenges us to make the crooked paths straight, smooth the rough places, and create a world where God’s peace reigns – a peace that uplifts, comforts, and inspires us to take part in God’s mission of love.
As your chaplain, I have witnessed how this community has answered that call in tangible ways. Through your generosity, we have not only sustained ministries that nurture worship and provide pastoral support, but we have also reached beyond ourselves to touch lives in meaningful ways. Despite facing challenges of our own, we have extended a portion of our blessings to support organizations and institutions in the Holy Land and here in Stuttgart. These contributions reflect the spirit of the early church, which Paul described so beautifully when he wrote of the Macedonian churches: “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:2-3).
This generosity, rooted in faith, is a testament to the heart of our chaplaincy, a community committed to living out Christ’s peace in both word and deed.
Even though we are not gathering physically today, the spirit of our Stewardship Campaign, Stewards of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love: Preparing the Way for 2025, remains alive in our reflections and actions. This campaign calls us to actively participate in ensuring that our chaplaincy continues to be a space of worship, refuge, and service. It is an invitation to each of us to consider how we can help build this path of peace through our stewardship, making our shared ministry stronger and more impactful.
I encourage you to take time today to reflect on the theme of peace. How might your giving, whether through financial support, volunteering, or prayer, become a means of smoothing the way for others? What role can you play in ensuring our chaplaincy grows as a beacon of God’s peace, not only for ourselves but for generations to come?
Let this Advent be a time for deep reflection and bold commitment. As John the Baptist proclaimed, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” May we heed this call by recommitting ourselves to building a community where God’s peace is made real in worship, service, and love.
Thank you for your faithfulness, generosity, and partnership in this journey. Together, let us continue to be stewards of God’s peace, not just in word, but in action.
In Christ’s peace,
+Antonio Ablon
Your Chaplain
