Rev. Takouhi’s Reflection…Advent 2025 – Trinity United Church

Dear Trinity Family,

Have you ever received a gift that you never forgot about?

I have. When I was about nine or ten years old, around Christmas 1976 or 1977, in Beirut, Lebanon, my parents bought me a small electric piano, so that it can help me start taking piano lessons. They could not afford the full-size piano, and of course there was no place in a one-bedroom apartment where nine individuals lived – Yes, we were a family of nine in a one-bedroom and one-bathroom apartment.

I loved music and I still do, and I wanted to learn how to play the piano. Even though the dream of pursuing piano lessons could not flourish for more than six months, because of snipers on the way to the closest conservatory, this gift has been an unforgettable gift, because I knew my parents somehow created abundance out of the scarcity of our lives. This unexpected gift not only gave me hope for a better future, but it also taught me that hard times cannot hold us down.

Today, I am reminded of this gift in time, because I believe that Advent is an intentional time for us to think of God’s Future offered to the world. An alternative future that ONLY God can offer.

This year at Trinity, our Advent Focus is Advent: The True Gift that draws us into God’s Future …

This year, when you hear about HOPE, on the very First Sunday of Advent, remember that HOPE is the password for God’s Future. On the Second Sunday of Advent, when you hear about PEACE, I hope you remember that God’s PEACE surpasses all understanding. On the Third Sunday, when you hear about JOY, know that God’s PEACE is the foundation of ALL JOY. On the fourth Sunday, when you hear about LOVE, may you be aware that the LOVE of God holds HOPE, PEACE and JOY within and is revealed to the world, as an unexpected gift that we never imagined would be possible, because of the scarcity of the status quo, just like when I was a young girl in Beirut.

This year, I truly pray that you make time to participate in a community of Faith, Hope and Love, no matter where you are found, and unwrap the Unexpected Gift of God that is offered to you freely always, not just once a year at Christmas time. If you are in this neck of the woods, join us to unwrap God’s Gift with us through different events – you will be glad you did.

As for now, I would love to leave you with one of my poems, found in my published book of poetry, photography and prayers, and invite you to be open to accept, embrace and share the True Gift of Christmas in its season and ALWAYS.  

Unexpectedly

Unexpectedly you came to us
God of Love in human form.
Understanding our shortfalls and strife
You hold us in Love beyond our regard.
 
Hope is your message
Peace is your Song
Joy is the result
Of your Abundant Love.
 
Unexpectedly wake us up
God of Love beyond our thoughts.
May Your Message be our Song
Your Vision be Our Guide
 
Unexpectedly let us Love
Through the Ceaseless Love of God. Amen.
 
Rev. Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro.
“The True Gift Lives On…” page 34