and passing over transgression
for the remnant of his inheritance?
He does not retain his anger forever,
because he delights in steadfast love.
He will again have compassion on us;
he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea.
You will show faithfulness to Jacob
and steadfast love to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our fathers
from the days of old. Micah 7:18-20
The snow is falling steadily here in Sitka. Watching out the big picture window, from the comfort of a chair, I cannot help but think of those ancient ones who called this place home and the challenges they faced in just surviving. The Tlingit people had safe sheltered harbors and plenty of fish and game. God has blessed them with a land of such beauty and abundance. It is also a land of hardship, of rough waters, cold and dark. There is great beauty in being with people of the land who have survived and been blessed for countless generations.
Micah's words resonate for me in this time of year. As the days grow rapidly shorter and Christmas draws near, it is important to remember God's faithfulness, no matter where we find ourselves. Whether nestled in our homelands or in new territories, God is there and faithful. God does not hold onto our mistakes and our faults but casts them into the depth of the sea. Our faults and failures are known and ignored by God, whose desire is to bless us and be with us each step of the way. As we begin this Advent Season, we are invited to remember God's love and faithfulness throughout it all.
Today I ask God to help me claim this steadfast love and compassion. May we delight in the blessings and people that surround us this day, no matter where we find ourselves. May we let go of the burdens of our mistakes and give them over to God. God promises to remake us and delight in us, over and over again.
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