Dear Inner Circle,
We are soon entering the season of Advent, a time of expectation traditionally marked by the lighting of candles. There is an advent story I often recall at this time of year, about a pastor in Germany during the 19th century who would visit a local orphanage in December. He’d gather all the children as night fell to light a candle and tell them stories in anticipation of Christmas Day. The children would take turns lighting the candle, and this small bit of light would gently push back the darkness. Its presence was a reassurance that there is indeed hope for the future.
So much of our work here at Wayside feels like lighting a candle, its immediate impact may feel small and fragile but still it lights the corners of lives where it can seem like only darkness. It is a profound act of hopefulness, especially in the leadup to Christmas which may feel like a source of sorrow rather than joy for many of our visitors.
Yesterday we celebrated our Wayside’s Got Talent Christmas Edition which saw the Kings Cross Community Hall packed to the gills with spectators and participants. There were musical acts, comedy acts, and joyous singalongs. Participants needed only put their name on a performance list at the front desk, and we’re never sure who or what we’ll see step into the spotlight. Midway through the second half of the show, a visitor appeared in full Alice Cooper costume and delivered a rocking rendition of “Poison”, only to be followed by an acapella version of “O Come All Ye Faithful” from a silver haired angel. If you’ve ever wondered what no ‘us and them’ truly means, it was right there on the stage yesterday and in the whoops and applause that followed each act.
I asked one of our volunteers during the show what his hidden talent was. He paused before leaning in to inform me, “After a few years on the front desk I am pretty spot on at picking underwear size, but I am not sure it’s much of a talent.” I disagree. His small act tells someone that they are seen and known, which when you are in the pit of despair is as important an act as any that happens around here. Everyone deserves to have the light shine on them, even if starts with just the glow of a tiny candle.
I’d like to acknowledge that it’s also a season of Thanksgiving, quite an American tradition, and notwithstanding its revisionist history, it is a good practice we should adopt. Where we place our focus, our energy tends to flow, and this year I want to take a moment to thank you personally, our inner circle of love and hope for all who fall by the Wayside.
Thank you for being part of the Inner Circle,
Jon
Rev. Jon Owen
CEO & Pastor
Wayside Chapel
