Reflections on Advent

If you are like me it is hard to believe that we are approaching the end of 2010. 

Yet, here we are in yet another season of Advent, anticipating the coming of the Christ Child.  I heard a wonderful sermon  a few days ago, the First Sunday of Advent, in which the pastor shared that there are times when the Lord allows us to rest, because of the hectic lifestyles that we have assumed.  Yet, during this time of Advent, God says to us “Awake!” be alert, be expectant, be vigilant, I am about to do a new thing!  Many of you have just completed the season of Annual Conferences and Planning Meetings, and are beginning to implement the vision that our Episcopal Leaders have put forth for us.  Others are  starting to prepare for Annual Conferences that will begin in the next two or three months. Whatever ecclesiastical calendar we operate on, it is clear that 2010 is quickly becoming the ‘old year’, and most of us have already planned for activities that are to begin in 2011. 

I can recall that it was last year, during Thanksgiving 2009 - after  18 months of seeking God to determine if I should offer my service to the AME Church, that I began to move out with conviction and take the first steps to announce my aspiration to the General Officer post of Historiographer and Executive Director of Research and Scholarship.  Much has happened in the last year to encourage and excite me about the current work of God in our Zion.  During Advent, as we prepare our hearts, minds and souls to receive the gift of God afresh and anew, I invite you to stay awake and prayerful with me, in anticipation of the new thing that God desires to do in our lives and in the life of the beloved Church of Allen during this most holy season throughout Christendom. 

In closing, I want to share with you that I have a new published article on the history of African Methodism and the use of vestments in the recent issue of the AME REVIEW. The initial essay was initiated by the request of the presiding prelate of the 10^th Episcopal District, The Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, as it related to the attire of clergy in the 10^th District.  I thought it might be wise to share it with the Church of Allen at large.  I urge you to read it, and let me know if you found it useful. 

In Christ’s grace,

Sharon Grant

“Today’s Historian for Tomorrow’s Church”

Candidate 2012

Historiographer/Executive Director of Research and Scholarship