Brrr!

The nation is caught in bitter cold this week. The media call attention to the need to safeguard against frozen pipes, concerns for humans and pets who have to be out in the weather, icy overpasses and treacherous highways, school closings and the like. The wintry blast has touched even the southern-most regions of the country.

Those of us from the Presbyterian tribes are occasionally referred to as "the frozen chosen," an allusion to the doctrine of election on one hand and the determination to do everything "decently and in order" on the other. It's often true that we are not quite as demonstrative as some others in our worship services. Yet the flame of God's Spirit nevertheless stirs us toward deep devotion, acts of compassion and kindness, care for neighbors, prayer for others. This doesn't mean that we are strangers to what might be called the "winter of the soul," times when we seem more distant from the warmth and glow of the Light. Nor are we unacquainted with the icy finger of temptation, the accusatory breath of hypocrisy. But we, like sisters and brothers from other Christian traditions, can know the warm embrace of God in grace, the consolation of encouragement from Scripture, the sustenance of prayer and communion with God, the fellowship, mutual respect and love of other disciples. We may struggle in the spiritual cold for a time, but always God's invitation to come home offers an everlasting warmth.