Joanne Gallardo, IMMC Conference Co-Minister, reflects on …

With the holiday season arriving, the adage “‘tis better to give than to receive” comes to mind. Of course, in Christian love, this is true. We are to give of those who ask of us, offer our talents and first fruits, and follow in Jesus’ footsteps of serving others. I also wonder what we need to receive in this season.

It can be easy to get into the mindset of not needing God. After all, some are financially stable, have everything they need material-wise, are close with their family, and have personal support systems. We can make our money, our community, our things, and our security our “god.”

I am here to say that no matter where we find ourselves on life’s journey, we all need God. No, it may not be for the aforementioned reasons. What is it our souls need? Do we need inner peace and shalom? Do we need healing of the body or mind? Do we need reassurance that we are God’s beloved?

We are all in need. None of us can walk our journey alone. I know that I am grateful for my community, both the broader community and my inner circle. They are not my god. I’m grateful for having a place to live and food to eat. These things are not my god. I’m grateful that I have more than what I need material-wise. Material items are not god.

In Advent, we anticipate receiving. Receiving can be difficult, especially for those who have “everything they need.” But what do we really need? What are those insecurities in the back of our mind that we need assurance for? What if our lives look polished on the outside but inside, we’re cracking like a broken mirror? These are things that God (along with community) can help us navigate. Turning to the old story of a savior coming to earth in the form of an infant, here to give us all we need in the humblest manifestation possible, reminds us that God is God, and we are not.