Advent 2022 is Here Rejoice
TodayisthefirstdayofAdventaswellasthebeginningofanewChristianyear Itisadistinctseasonwhichshouldnot beconfusedwithChristmas AdventisrelativelynewtotheUnitedMethodistChurch,whichbegantoobserveitin1947 TheAdventseasonendsonChristmasEve.ThewordAdventcomesfromaLatintermwhichmeanscoming,thatisthe comingofourLordJesus Itisatimeofpreparationforus Theliturgicalcolorispurple,symbolicoftheroyaltyofChrist andidentifyingtheseasonasoneofinwardlookfortheChristian.Somechurcheshaveoptedforblue.Therearefour SundaysofAdvent,eachonebearingathemegiventoitbythetraditionofcenturies;eachonehighlightingabiblicaltext allfourfromthegreatOldTestamentbookofIsaiah
November 27: From Darkness to Light The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a landofdeepdarknessonthemhaslightshined(Isaiah9:2) ThepeopleatthetimeoftheprophetIsaiahfacedthe darknessoffear fearoverthethreatofpowerfulneighboringnationsthatsoughttodestroyJudah Theprophetsendsa messageofhope,ofGod’sintervention AllthepeopleneededtodowastohavetrustandconfidenceinHim Weallhave encounteredtimesofspiritualdarknessandwehavereliedonthecomingofthelighttosustainus thelightthatGod sendstous JesusisthelightofAdvent!
December 4: Messenger A voice cries in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highwayforourGod(Isaiah40:3) Theprophetannouncesthecomingofamessengerwhowillpreparethewayto facilitateouraccesstoGod.InourdailywalkwithGod,HesustainsuswithHispeaceandgraceasHegentlyleadsusto HimselfthroughChrist,theincarnateGod JesusisthemessengerofAdvent!
December 11: Gaudete The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the rose, it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing (Isaiah 36:1a) Gaudete is a Latin word for rejoice The desertwouldbetheleastexpectedplaceinwhicharosewouldbloom!Whenourlivesgo andmanytimestheydo itis wonderfultoknowthatinthemidstofourdryness,Godcanpresentuswitharoseatwhichtorejoice Jesusistheroseof Advent!
December 18: Rorare Shower, oh heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness; let the earth open, thatsalvationmaysproutforth(Isaiah45:8).RorareistheancientLatinwordforshower.Theprophetvisualizeshis salvationdescendingfromheavenintheformofshowers showersofblessing!ThankGodfortheshowersofblessing thatfalluponourlivesinoureverydaywalk!JesusistheRorareofAdvent!
TheLateRev.JoseBove
Inthehymn,“OHolyNight,”wesingthewords,“Athrillofhopethewearyworldrejoices” Weareindeeda wearyworld.Ifweourselvesarefortunatenottobeinthemidstofheartachesandstruggles,wehaveonlyto lookatourfamily,friends,neighborsandtheworldaroundustoseethefatigue,oppressionandsadnessthat abounds
DuringthetimeleadinguptoChristmasday,wearebombardedwiththesightsandsoundsoffestivities.Our worldportraysthatduringthistimeallishappy,joyousandgood Yetlifecontinuestobedifficultandsadfor somanyonlytobemademoresobywhatwethinkeveryoneelseisexperiencingandwearenot.
Sohowdoesawearyworldrejoice?Werejoicenotinthethingsoursocietytellsuswillbringgladness,but ratheronwhatweknowtobetrue thethrillofhope Thrill:asharpfeelingofexcitement Hope:expectationof somethingdesired.SowithexcitementwedesirethefulfillmentofGod’sloveforus.Andthatiswhatwefindin thebirthofChrist,God’sgreatloveshownforus ForthroughChristweareallsetfreefromsinandareoffered apersonalrelationshipwithGod.Itisinthatpersonalrelationshipwefindthethrillofhope.Itiswherewefind peace,joy,comfort,guidance,counselandstrengthasweliveinawearyworld Itishardtorejoicewhenwe areweary(hungry,hopeless,grieving,forgotten,etc) SoduringthisAdventseasonandbeyond,howcanwe activelyfindwaystoshareGod’slovesothatothersmayrejoice?HowcanwebethehandsandfeetofGod bringingthethrillofhopetosomeonewhoisweary?
Letus,thisAdventseason,singloudlythesewordsinthehymn,“OHolyNight”.Sweethymnsofjoyand grateful chorus raise we; Let all within us praise His holy name Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever! Maywenotlooktotheworldforthethrillofhopebutinstead,totheOnewhocameasababyintoaweary worldsolongagotoshowustheway ChrististheLord!OpraiseHisnameforever!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 DearGod,Wefindourhopeinyou BythepoweroftheHolySpirit,mayweoverflowwiththathopeaswe shareitwhereverinthiswearyworldwefindourselves.Wepraiseyouwithallthatiswithinus.Wepraiseyour nameforever!Amen
AThrillofHope
Whomorethanchildrenexhibit“athrillofhope”overanupcomingevent,orwinningaprize,ormaybegetting somethinglongedfor Theirexcitementisinfectiousandweadultswanttofeedit Ialsowanttobepartofthat excitement.Andforthatreason,overtheyears,Ifindmyselfbeingasmallpartinchildren’sprograms. SometimesithasbeeninKid’sPraise,orSundaySchool,orjustfollowingthemaboutduringVacationBible School Towatchthemlearnsomethingnew,orsuddenly“catchon,”ordevelopaskillortalentisso rewarding.Whatevertheprogram,IalwaysreceivemorethanIgive.(Isn’tthatthe“lawofgiving”?)
Therealthrillcomesseeingthemgrownupasseniorsbeforeourchurchandhearingtheirhopesandplansfor theirfuture.IthinkbackwhentheywereyoungerandlittleasIknewthem.Ifeelamazedattheirgrowthand development.Theygivemeahappyjoyousfeelingthatthefutureisingoodcapablehands;andthatgivesme, “athrillofhope”.
And He took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them Mark10:16
MyChristmasprayerforyouisfoundinRomans15:13...MaytheGodofhopefillyouwithalljoyandpeacein believingthatyoumayaboundinhopebythepoweroftheHolySpirit Amen JaneWood
The Light
ThisAdventseasonwepreparetocelebratethelightcomingintotheworld Thatfirsttinysparkoflightglimmeredwhen Jesustookoffhisdivinityandbecamefullyhumanbybeingbornintheusualway.TheSonofGodbecameamere human Jesussaid,seeyalater,tohisFatherandtheheavenlyhostsforthirtysomeyearswhilehereachedouttousby sharingourhumanity.HaveyoueverthoughtabouthowlonesomeGodtheFathermusthavebeenforJesuswhilehe wasinhishumanform?Suretheytalkedthroughprayer,continuedtoloveeachotherandwereconnectedbyworship justaswecanconnectwithGodthatway,butitwasnotthesameasbeingineachother’spresence
ManypeoplefindtheChristmasseasonunbearablebecausetheymisstheirlovedones AlthoughZoom,Skype,letters, phonecallsandsocialmediahelp,itisnotthesameaswrappingyourarmsaroundthoseyoulove,feelingtheirtouch, hearingthembreatheandthescentoftheirhair.Whetheritisbecauseofphysicaldistance,emotionaldistanceordeath, wemissthem GodtheFatherunderstandsthepainandlossofseparation Hehasexperienceditwithhisownson Not onlywasJesusgoneforanextendedperiodoftime,hediedaswell ThegoodnewsoftheseasonisthatbyJesus’ willingnesstoexperiencehumanbirthanddeath,thepowerofdeathhasbeendestroyed.Weareassuredthatwewillbe reunitedwithourlovedones;ifnotinthislife,thenintheonetocome ThisbringsmegreatcomfortasImissmymother andsisterwhohavedied Meanwhile,GodtheFatherunderstandsourfeelingsashehasexperiencedthemhimself Onceagain,GodistrulyEmmanuel.Godiswithus.Celebratewithme.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth John1:14 Who, being in very nature God, even death on a cross! Philippians 2:6 8 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death Hebrews2:14 15
HeavenlyFather,bewiththosemissingtheirlovedonesduringthisChristmasseasonwherewecelebrateJesuscoming intoourdarkworldtobringthelightofyourlove.Easetheirpainofseparationandbringthemthehopeofbeingtogether again,ifnotinthisworldtheninthenext Amen
BethB.Strayer
BetheLight
Arise!Shine!Yourlighthascome;andthegloryoftheLordrisesuponyou See,darknesscoverstheearthandthick darknessisoverthepeoples,buttheLordrisesuponyouandHisgloryappearsoveryou.Nationswillcometoyourlight, andkingstothebrightnessofyourdawn.FortheLordwillbeyoureverlastinglight,andyourGodwillbeyour glory.
Isaiah60:1 3,19
TheprophetIsaiahwasspeakingtotheHebrewpeopleofthe4thCenturyBCE.Theywereprobablydiscouragedand exhaustedsincetheywerereturningfromyearsofexileinBabylon.Jerusalemhadbeendestroyedandtheycouldn’t evengetalongwitheachothertobegintheworkofrebuilding.MostoftheirfamilyandcommunitywerestillinBabylon. Isaiahacknowledgesthattheworldisfullofdarkness,asignoftheirseparationfromGod Thenhepromisesthattheywill experienceGod’sgloryagain Theyneedtolookaround toseewhatGodisdoing Godisbringingbacktheirsonsand daughters Godcontinuestobuildthecommunityandbringthepeopletogether Thisexperiencewillcausesuchjoythat thepeoplewillglowfromwithin IftheylookforGod,Verse5says,“Thenyoushallseeandberadiant;yourheartshall thrillandrejoice.”
Ihaveservedasamissionaryandinoutreachministriesmostofmylife SowhenIwriteorpreach,itisusuallytoinvite andchallengepeopletotakeGod’slightoutintotheworld Isaiahturnsthataroundinthispassage Hetellsusweshould liveinsuchawaythatwecanshowtheSpiritofGod Ifweliveradiant,glowinglivesforGod,thenthenationswillcome tousforlight.
Decemberhastheshortestdaysandthelongestdarkestnightsoftheyear Itisnocoincidencethatintheheartofwinter, welightcandlesandcelebratetheOnewhobringslightandjoytoourworld InAdvent,welookforwardtothecomingof JesusastheLightoftheWorld
Rev.HenryWardBeecheroncesaid,“Blessedarethehappinessmakers.Blessedaretheywhoknowhowtoshine.”If wejustshowaportionofjoy,peaceandlovethatGodhaspouredintous,otherswillseeourhappinessandwantthat happinesstoo IfweputourfaithintoactionandlivetheteachingsofJesuswithkindness,honestyandservice,otherswill seeusshine Thedarknessoflifecanbeoppressive Peoplearelookingforthelight
GraciousGod,Helpusarise!Helpusshine!Letusopenoureyestorecognizetheneedsofthosearoundusandthe needsofourworld.ShineyourgloryandletussparkleasfaithfulwitnessesforJesusChristsothatallpeoplewillcometo thelightofChrist.Amen
MarilynBeecher
Claim the Promise
Whenmyninetyyearoldcousin,Barbara,died,Iwasdevastated Priortoherdeath,Isatwithherformanyhoursinthe nursinghomebecauseweknewhertimewasuponus.Inthelatehours,myfriend,Charlie,appearedtositwithme.Just byhispresence,hegavemethestrengthtofacewhatwascoming Intheveryearlymorningwhenshepassed,Iwas standingatthefootofherbedandtalkingwithcaregivers.Allatonce,Ifeltthepresenceofsomeonebehindme.Iknew whoitwas Iturnedandfellintothearmsofmygoodfriendandfuneraldirector,Brian Itwasstilldarkoutsidebuthe arrivedinhissuitandtiereadytocareforBarbara.Whatacomforttoknowhecared!HeandCharlieremindedmeof God’spromise,thatthereishopeinthepeopleofGod
Manyofusareconcernedbecauseournationandtheworldaredivided politically,socially,andspiritually Wewonderif wehavehopeforthefuture.Yet,Adventremindsusthatwearepeopleofhope.Theworldwillnotbebetteruntilwecan claimGod’skingdomonearthasitisinheaven Theplaceswhereweseethathopeisinthewayspeoplecareforone another.Helppoursoutinthewakeofhurricanes,floodingandwildfires.Outofthesedevastations,wefindthebestin people Thecolorofskin,religiousbeliefs,andpoliticsdonotmatterwhenwearepullingfromthewreckage Itisinthese gesturesofcaringforourneighborsthatGod’shopeiseverpresent.
InAdvent,weclaimourhope Thishopeisnotwishfulthinking;thishopeisapromise ApromisethatisGod givenand neverfalters Ourpeoplearethehopeofournationandthehopeofourworld Claimthispromiseandrememberinthe birthofJesuswereceiveeternalhope.Godneverleaves.
Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what e don’t see Hebrews 11:1
AlmightyGod,weclaimyourpromiseofhopeaswelookattheworkofyourservantsintheworld Reminduscontinually thatweareyourspiritfilledpeople Leadusinyourwaysforalltime Inyourholynamewepray Amen
KoinoniaSundaySchoolClass
The Thrill of Waiting
Adventisatimeofwaiting Atimeofexcitedexpectations,especiallyforachild WhenIwasgrowingup,Christmas aroundourhousemeantbakingandcookingandsharing MymomwasthemasterofChristmasgoodies,which shesharedwithfriendsandfamily Shehadawholelistofwonderfulcreations,butmyfavoritewashermints Nowtheseweren’tyourrunofthemillmints,pressedintomolds Thesewerehand pulledmintswhichtookforever tomake(atleastintheeyesofachildwatching).Firstshestartedthedaybeforebyputtingthelargemarbleslabin thefreezersoitwouldbereadywhensheneededit Thenightofmakingcouldnotberainingortoowarmandor theyjustwouldn’twork.Shewouldgathertheingredients(sugar,butter,vanillaandmintoil)andwouldstartthe processinapotonthestovebringingtheingredientstoaboilandusingacandythermometertogetthe temperaturejustright,fortherightlengthoftime Iwouldstandbywatching,asking,“Isittimeyet?”Shewould shakeherheadandtellmetobepatient.Andwhenitwasjustright,shewouldpourtheboilingmixtureontothe frozenmarbleslabandaddthemintoilandfoodcoloringandbeginrollingitandfoldingitbyhandscoatedwith butter.IswearshemusthavehadTeflonforskin.Andonceitwascoolenoughtopickup,shewouldbegintopullit liketaffy.ShewouldpullandpullthehotshinymixtureandIwouldstandbyasking,“Isittimeyet?”Shewould shakeherheadandtellmetobepatient,thatwewouldhavetowaitforjusttherighttime Shecontinuedtopull untilthecandybegantoloseitsshine.Shewouldsay,”Nowit’stime!”Shewouldquicklypullandcutthecandyinto smallbitsontowaxpapertoletitdryintothemostcreamymintsyoueverputintoyourmouth
DuringAdventweawaitthearrivaloftheChristchildjustasthechildrenofIsraeldidforhundredsofyears Justlike thechildstandinginmymother’skitchen,ontiptoe,inthehopesofsomethingwonderful Andatjusttherighttime, GodsentJesusdowntoearthtobewithus,toshowushowtoliveandtosaveusfromoursins Itwasthebestgift ever.Butlet’snotlookpastthewaitingandtheanticipationandthethrillofhopebecausethatispartofthegifttoo. IpraywecanlivethroughAdventwiththeexcitementofachildwhosays,“Isittimeyet?”Andthatwecantrustthat God’stimingisperfecttorevealhisgifttous
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
GraciousGodofperfecttiming,helpustoliveinthisAdventseason,ontiptoewaitingforthegiftofyourSon. Thankyouforthehopethatlivesinourheartsbecauseweknowthatyouarefaithfulandyouwantonlythevery bestforus InJesus’name,Amen
KathyPlowmanGlory of the Lord
Irememberwhenthemusical“Godspell”firstcameout ItopenswithaShopharmadeoutofaram’shornblastingoutto getyourattention Thenthesinger’smelodicmessagefromIsaiahsinging,“Pre Pare YethewayoftheLord”ThisIsaiah passageistakenfromthetimewhenanewKingtakesthethrone.Oneofhisfirstactionswastovisitthepeopleofhis kingdominacaravan Butfirst,afrontpartyofhisarmywentaheadandsmoothedouttheroughplacesintheroad,filling inpotholesandmakingaclearpathforthekingcaravantotravel
IsaiahsayswearetopreparethewayoftheLordsothegloryoftheLordmayberevealedandsothatthefirstverseof thispassagecantakeplace.IsaiahbeginstheversewithGodsaying,“Comfort,OComfortmypeople.Speaktenderlyto Jerusalem”
Handel’s“Messiah”beginswiththesameverse AfriendhadsentHandelthetextofthisgreatwork,butHandelwasina deepdepressionaftersufferingastroke.Hehadstoppedwritingmusicandwasangrythefriendwouldevensendhim thismusictowrite Hecouldn’tsleepandfinallygotupandcuriositygotthebetterofhimandheopenedtothefirstpage andread:“ComfortYe,ComfortYemypeople”Inaburstofenergyandinspiration,hetookthewrittentextandsatdown andcomposedtheentireworkbeforehecollapsedonthesofaandslept Heconsidereditthemostimportantwordshe everread
Comfort,OComfortmypeople SpeaktenderlytoJerusalem Isaiah40:1 5
LordaswestartourAdventjourney,maywehearIsaiah’swords:“ComfortYe,ComfortYe”and“Preparethewayofthe Lord”thatourheartsmaybeliftedupandtheunevengroundofourlifebemadesmooth ThisChristmasmaytheGloryof theLordberevealedinanewwayinallofourlives!InChrist’snamewepray!Amen
Rev.JimRosenburg
The Promise of Advent
ApreciousbeginningtoAdventformeisunwrappingthemanyNativities,orcreches,andplacingthemaroundmyhome. MycollectionofNativitiescomesfromaroundtheworldandclosetohome ManyaregiftsfromfriendsandothersIhave foundonmytravels Afewareevenfrom“OurGivingTree”Bookstoreatourchurch Afavoriteofmineismadewith differentsizedwoodenblockswithoilcloth,fabricandyarntodepictJoseph,MaryandthebabyJesus.Thewhitepaper bagitcameinisdecoratedwithredandgreenstampsofChristmastrees.Itwasmadewithlovebymysonwhenhewas inPre K Itisatreasure!IhopethatyouhaveatreasuredNativitytooorcanrememberonethatbroughtyoujoy
YearsagoRobertBensonandtheUpperRoomcollaboratedonanexquisitebookwithphotosofNativitiesfromtheUpper RoomMuseumcalled,“TheNightoftheChild”inwhichBensonsaystheBibleisabookofpromises.“Butthisone promise,thePromisethatGodwillcomeandliveamongusisthemostastonishingpromiseofall Wecantellthatwe believethepromisebecausewesetoutourcrecheeachyear WelistentothePromiseagainandagainandwe somehowbelievethatitwillcometrueagainandagain Andifweletthem,thesecherishedbitsofglass,andwood,and paper,andstrawwillspeaktousoverthedaysofwaiting,remindingusofthePromisethathasbeenmadeandwillbe kept,ifweletit.”
Foruntousachildisborn,untousasonisgiven:andthegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulder:andhisnameshall calledWonderful,Counsellor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,thePrinceofPeace Isaiah9:6
HolyGod,webelieveinthepromiseofyourcomingtoliveamongusintheChristChild Wedecorateourhomesto remindusofthispromise InthesedaysofAdventwaiting,mayweshareyourhope,love,joyandpeacewithallthosewe meet!Amen
Seize the Hope Before Us
Christmas2009sticksoutinmymindasaholidayseasonfilledwithmixedfeelingsofanticipation,warmhugsandbelly laughter.Afteryearsofsufferinghundredsofcomplex partialseizures,Iwasscheduledtohavebrainsurgerythreeweeks afterChristmas Itwasalsotheyearchildhoodfriendsdecidedtohaveanornamentexchange,aneventthathasbecome anannualtradition.IrecallthedayofthepartyIsufferedacoupleseizures.Iwasmiserablewithaheadacheandweak butrefusedtoletanotherseizureruinafungatheringwithfriends Lookingatthephotosfromthatevening,Icouldsee howsicktheseizuresmademeasIwaspalewithdarkcirclesundermysunkeneyes MybodywasexhaustedandIwas sofrustratedwithmypoorqualityofexistencethattheapproachinghigh risksurgeryofferedtheonlyhopeforabetterlife. Iknewtherewasnoimprovedhealthwithoutfacingthesurgeryastwomedicinesfailedtocontrolmyseizures Evenso, severalfamilymemberslackedthesamehopeandletfearcontrolthemastheydidn’twantmetohavetheoperations. Theirappallingbehaviorandcommentswerepainfultohearbutdidn’tdetermefromputtingallofmyfaithinGodandmy skilledsurgeon Myhopewasforachancetolivelifeasanormal,healthy26 yearold Thoughterrified,weary,andfully awareitcouldbemylastChristmas,IwasfilledwithGodgivenoptimismforanimprovedlife.
LateJanuary,thefirsttwosurgeriesoccurredwherewireswereplacedonmybrain.Ilaidinahospitalbedforoneweek, receivingIVantibioticsandpowerfulpainkillerswhileseizingsodoctorscouldlocatetheepicenteroftheattacks.Atthe endoftheweek,itwasdecidedthattwobrainabnormalitiesneededtoberemovedinaseven hoursurgery Recovery wasextremelypainfulandchallengingasInearlydied,butGodpulledmethrough TodayI’mapproachingthirteenyears seizurefree,fiveyearsseizurefreewithoutmedicine.InowcelebrateChristmaswithmyhusband,whomImetsixmonths aftersurgery,andourtwochildren
IlookbackonthatchallengingtimewithgratitudeasIwouldnothaveexperiencedsuchpureGodgivenhopewithoutmy illness Medicinehadfailed Mylastresortwasthepotentiallydeadlysurgery Mytrialsduringthattimebroughtmyfaithin Godtoadeeperandmoreintimatelevel.
Justliketheworldrejoicedover2000yearsagowiththebirthofJesusandthehopeHeprovidedtosavetheworld, Christmas2009IrejoicedinGod’sgivenhopeforbetterhealthandqualityoflife
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah29:11 12
DearLord,thankyouforsendingyouronlysonsowemayhaveeternalhopethroughourearthlystruggles Asfollowers, wearenotpromisedapainfreelifeoralifewithoutworryorillness However,withyouwehavehopeforbetter circumstancesandtheinternalstrengthyourhopeprovidestofaceourdailychallenges Thankyouforgivingushope, strengthandcomfort.InJesusnamewepray.Amen
MollieRowell
Waiting
It’shardtowait Waitinginline,waitingfortheredlighttochange,waitingforaninjurytoheal,waitingforthe hurricanetopass,waitingforthepowertobeturnedbackon,andthelistgoesonandon.Mostofushateto wait Itcanmakeusfrustrated,irritable,andanxious Butsomethingsareworthwaitingfor Likewaitingfor yourbirthday,waitingforgraduationday,waitingforthedayofyourwedding,waitingforthebabytobeborn, waitingforourprayerstobeanswered
Adventisaboutwaiting.It’stobeaseasonofwaitingandpreparationforthecomingofChristatChristmas thepromisedandlongedforMessiah Ourwaitingistobefilledwithanticipation,expectation,hope Wemaystillfacethedisappointmentsandchallengesofdailylife,butGodcanchangeus.Godcanenable ustoseepossibilityandopportunityinanewlight.ThisAdventletGodbeatworkinyourwaiting.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14
God,transformusintopeopleofhopeaswewaitforyourcomingagainthisChristmas
ArchieBuie
EndlessHope
For I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope Jeremiah 29:11
Whenthisbecamemylifeversemorethanfortyyearsago,Ididn’trealizehowoftenIwouldcallonittohelpme overcomelife’schallengesandprovideopportunities WhenIspentthesummeratL’AbriinSwitzerland,studyingunder Dr FrancisSchaeffer,thathopecamealive WhenIwenttoBibleCollege,whenIleftforthemissionfieldandendedup stayingtwenty eightyears,hopeblossomed.WhenItraveledfromcountrytocountry,witnessingmiraclesofintervention withvisadocumentationandprotectionfromsomeprettydirecircumstances,hopeendured Isawthehopethatwas producedinthechangedlivesofpeopleIencountered,changesinme Ididn’tworry,becauseGodpromisedmethatI alwayshaveahopebecauseofHim HealwaysprotectedmeevenwhenItookrisksandunwittinglyputmyselfin precariousplaces
WhenIwastrappedoverseasduringthepandemicandenduredastrictlock downcontrolledbypolice,aloneinmy apartment,mycolleagueswereinspiredbymycalm,mylackofworryandfearbecauseofthepromiseGodhadmade andIhadclaimedmyentirelife.WhentheAmericanEmbassyhiredaplanetoevacuateustotheUS,Iwasatpeaceon aflightwheretheattendantswerewearingfullhazmatsuits
HurricaneIanwasmyfirstmajorstormandasIwashunkereddowninmymanufacturedhome,alone,Isleptpeacefully becausethathopehascarriedmethrougheveryoneoflife’ssituations Again,Godcamethroughforme Hepromised nevertoleavemeorforsakeme IwasnevertrulyaloneasHewasalwaysbymyside
Thathopecametoearthinhumanformandlivedamongus,experiencingourlivesthroughhisgodlyeyes Heheardall ourthoughts,feltourpain,sawallourdeeds.NothingwashiddenfromHim,yetHestillheldouthopeforus.Thatwe wouldreturntoHim,seekHimandfindHim Heisalsohoping,waitingforthosewhohaveyettotakeholdofHispromise andembracetheunfailingandunboundedlovethatisthebasisforaneternalhope.
GraciousGodandlovingSavior,thankyouforthepeacethatpassesallunderstandingthatyousofreelyprovide.Letus clingtoyourpromisesandliveinthehopeyougrantus.Amen
SusieCornell
A Step of Faith
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”
Matthew1:24
Josephwasastepfather Itwasachoicehemade ItwaswhatGodaskedhimtodo Throughouthistory therehasalwaysbeenaneedforstepparents Frequently,asastepparent,Iamthoughtofassubstandard, inconsequentialoranintrusion.DuringcelebrationsIamoftenaskedtotakeabackseat,sometimes disappear,sothatthepastcanberelievedagain,oratleastattempted.Thebeautyofbeingastepparentis havinganopportunitytobeEmmanuel “Godwithus” duringaneed Jesusneededamantoguideandtrain himfrominfancytobecomingthemanofGod‘snewcovenant.Maryneededahelpmate,aprovider,human armsofsafetyandsomeonetoloveher
JosephisnotmentionedveryoftenintheBible.ItisonlyintheGospelofMatthewwelearnofhisdilemma withMary’svirginpregnancy.Howmanyofhisfriendsandacquaintanceswouldbelievethatanangelofthe Lordhadvisitedhiminadream?Thathewouldparentthemanwhowouldsavethepeoplefromtheirsins? TotakeontheresponsibilityofMaryandJesuswouldbealifetimecommitment,24hoursadayandseven daysaweek.Itwasastepoffaith.Itwasastepoflove.Althoughunspoken,therehadtobeaspecialbond betweenJesusandhisstepfather SeldomdoweconsiderwhatJesus’lifewouldhavebeenlikewithout Joseph’swillingnesstobeastepparent.
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: his mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins ” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel” which means, God with us. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife
Matthew1:18 24
HeavenlyFather,helpusstepoutinloveandbecomeEmmanueltoothersinneed.Giveusthecourageand faithtomakealifetimecommitmenttoactingatYourrequest.Amen
Thought for the day: Jesus has a special love and appreciation for stepparents who step into their role in faith.
BethB.Strayer
The Thrill of Hope
Ifwelookkeenlyintogoodstories,theoneswegobackto,theonesweretell,theonesthatsinkdeeplyintooursouls, theyhaveacommonfeaturewhichoffersthereaderasenseofconsolation.Inanygoodstorythereisconflictand darknessthathastobeovercomeforthehopeofahappyending Welookforahintthatitwillendwell,evenwhenthings lookbleak.Thensomethinghappens,notexpectedandnotseenaheadoftime.Itswoopsinsuddenlylikeamiraculous gracethatwilllikelynotberepeated It’sahope,anddaresayitthrillsus Thisdoesn’thaveawordinourlanguageto describeit Inhisfamousessay,“OnFairyStories,”JRR Tolkiencoinsanewwordtodescribethisglimpseofajoy beyondthewallsofthisworld,somethingas“poignantasgrief”.Theeucatastrophe(orgoodcatastrophe)iswhenthe “turncomes,acatchofthebreath,abeatandliftingoftheheart”
Thisisn’tlimitedtofairystories,butintrueTolkienfashionitmeldstheimaginativetohistoryinabigscale,makinguseof hisnewword,eucatastrophe,whenthinkingabouttheGospels Hepullstheimaginativerealmintohistory,explaining “ThebirthofChrististheeucatastropheofMan’shistory.TheResurrectionistheeucatastropheofthestoryofthe incarnation Thisstorybeginsandendsinjoy”Thisjoy,hetellsus,hasthetasteoftruthinourworld Thisthrillofhope comesinthatrevelation
Inourreadingandthinkingaboutgoodstoriesthatbringusthroughjourney,wemightexperienceaeucatastrophe,and thuswearesetuptoimaginehowthisfitsinwiththeGospelmessage,andasTolkienargues,thegoodnewsofthe Gospelcanhallowthesestories,ratherthanremovetheirsignificance
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God
2Corinthians1:3 4
Lord,blessuswithaGospelmindedimaginationthatopensusuptothedeepertruthsofYourmessage Thankyoufor thegiftofimaginationandstory,creativewaysforustoalldrawclosertoYourheart Amen KacieRogers
Love Your Neighbor
Ilovetotravel.OneofmyfavoritetripswaswhenwewenttoIsraelwiththechurchin2014.Mymostmemorabletake awayfromthattripwaswhenwewereoutbytheSeaofGalileeandourguidewasdiscussingthestoryofwhenJesus directedthedisciplestocasttheirnets,resultinginsuchalargecatch,theycouldhardlyhaulitin Later,Jesusinvited thesedisciplestofollowHim,andHewouldmakethemfishersofmen Asthenetsarehauledin,itgathersallthefish thatarecurrentlywithintheareathenetcovers.Itdoesnotdistinguishbetweenthevarioustypesoffishes,butgathers themallintogether JesusdidnotinviteHisdisciplestobecomefishersofMethodists,orofBaptists,Jews,oranyone typeofreligioussect.Heinvitedthemtobecomefishersofallmen,regardlessofrace,ethnicity,religion,sexual preference,oranyotherlabelwemayplaceonthem.
AccordingtoaNationalCongregationsStudy,thereareroughly384,000churchesintheUS+34,000denominationsin theworld Withinthatrange,70%ofpeopleinFLrecognizeChristianityastheirmainreligion InLakelandalone,wehave over117churches Iamsurethatifyouvisitedanyofthose117churches,youwouldfindthattheirmissionistolovethe LordtheirGodwithalltheirheart,mind,andsoul.Evenwithinourownchurchdenominations,youwillfinddifferencesin opinionsandperceptionsofhowthingsshouldbeinthechurch MygranddaughterneededhelpwithherMathoneday whileatmyhouse IattemptedtoshowherthesamewayIsolvedthattypeofMathproblemforthepastseveraldecades Shestoppedmeandtoldmeshewasnotallowedtodoitthatway.Shehadtousethe“newMath”way.Ididn’t understandwhyteachershadtorequiresuchanew,complicatedwaytosolveasimpleMathproblemwhentheold methodworkedjustfine,andwecameupwiththesameanswer WhenwearriveinHeaven,Iamsurethattherewillnot beaMethodistneighborhood,Baptistneighborhood,Jewishneighborhood,whiteneighborhood,Latinneighborhood,etc Regardlessofourdifferenttheologies,weallservealovingGodwhosedesireisforustoloveourneighbors allofour neighbors,allofthetime
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind This is the great and first commandment And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself Matthew 22:37 39
Lord,helpusnottolooktootherstogiveusvalueorhappiness,butrathertoaddvaluetotheworldbyservingandloving otherswithgrace,honor,compassionandintegrity,andhappinesswillfollow Amen
Thrill of Hope
MymotherlovedtolistentoLucianoPavarottising.OneofherfavoriteChristmascarolswas“OHolyNight,”especially whensungbyherfavoritetenor.Thethemeforthisyear’sAdventdevotions,“athrillofhope,”appearsinthefirstverseof thisbeautifulnoel:
Oholynight!Thestarsarebrightlyshining, ItisthenightofthedearSavior’sbirth Longlaytheworldinsinanderrorpining, TillHeappearedandthesoulfeltitsworth. Athrillofhopethewearyworldrejoices, Foryonderbreaksanewandgloriousmorn Fallonyourknees!Oh,heartheangelvoices! Onightdivine,thenightwhenChristwasborn; Onight,OHolyNight,Onightdivine! Onight,OHolyNight,Onightdivine!
“OHolyNight”waswrittenin1847byaFrenchnovelistandpoet,PlacideCappeaudeRoquemaure.Heclaimedtohave writtenthepoem“MinuitChretiens”duringastagecoachjourneytoParisandgaveittocomposerAdolphe CharlesAdam toputtomusic TheirworkbecamepopularinFrance,butwhenitwasrevealedthatCappeauwasanon churchgoing socialistandthatAdamwasJewish,theFrenchchurchbanneditforaperiodoftime However,in1855aUnitarian ministerandabolitionistinAmerica,JohnSullivanDwight,discovereditandidentifiedwiththesewordsfromthethird verse:
Trulyhetaughtustoloveoneanother, Hislawisloveandhisgospelispeace. Chainsshallhebreak,fortheslaveisourbrother, AndinHisnamealloppressionshallcease.
DwightprintedanEnglishtranslationof“CantiquedeNoël”inhismagazine.Thesongwasadoptedbyabolitionistsduring theCivilWar,thenitspopularityspreadthroughoutAmerica
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.
Luke2:8 12
DearJesus,Youaretrulythelightandhopeoftheworld Youshowedushowtolove Helpus,inthistimeof divisiveness,toshareyourlove Amen GeorgianaKurtz
The Joy of a Child
Threeorfouryearsago,wegothomefromchurchandwhenwewerefinishedeatingsandwiches,wewere watchingTV.IsuddenlyrealizedthatI’ddroppedmyweddingring.Wewentbacktochurchtoseeifwe’d droppeditbutwecouldn’tfinditinanyofthepews.IwasintearsaboutthesituationandaskedeveryoneI knew,butnobodyknewwhereitcouldbe
But,onAugust3rd,thisyear,ourdaughterKristyandourfiveyearoldgrandson,Finn,flewInfromAustin, Texasforaoneweekvisit Finnisaverycuriousboywhowantstoknoweverything!Thenextday,August4th, wasourforty ninthweddinganniversary.Afterdinner,WayneandFinnwenttothebackbedroomwhereFinn wascheckingthebedframe Allofasuddenhecamerunningintotheliving roomsaying,“Gammy,Ifound yourring!”HegavemetheringandIhuggedhimandtoldhimhowmuchIlovedhim.IwassurethatGodhad beenthereonthisjoyfulnight. Atthattime,thedisciplescametoJesusandasked,
“Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven ” Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven
Matthew18:1 4
LovingGod,wemustbeverycarefulforourchildreninthesedayssincewehavesomanytroublingproblems: fearinourschools,outbreakofsicknessanddiseases,andparentswhocan’talwaysbetheretoknowwhatis happeningwhentheycan’tbewiththeirchildren.Pleasegivethemtheguidancetogrowupwiththeloving supporttheyneed Amen
LynnSangster
Coming Change
Aswelive,wewitnessmanychangesinourworld,inothersandinourselves Howdowemeetthechallengeofchange? Weseechangethathasoccurredinourschoolsovertheyears,aswellaschangeinourchurchesatAdvent.Jesustells usinMatthew18:3thatunlesswechangeandbecomelikelittlechildrenwehavenochancetoenterthekingdomof heaven.(NIVnoteto18:3trustingandunpretentious)Therehavebeenmanychanges,butonestandsout,oneregarding scriptureinpublicschools InthesecondgradeinapublicschoolinPinellasCountyintheearly1950’svariousstudents recitedtheChristmasstoryinLuke2(KJV)fortheschoolChristmasprogram Christianscriptureisn’treadorrecitedin publicschoolstoday,unlessit’sinTheBibleasLiteratureclass.Whatachange fromaReligiousprogramwithscripturein theChristianBibleatChristmasandprobablypartofopeningexerciseseverymorning,tonone MaybeIshouldaccept thistypeofchangeasachildmight.
Somanychangesinourlives,eveninAdvent,whichIdidn’thearmuchaboutinchurchorinmySundayschoolclasses inthe1950’sandearly1960’s NowinchurchwehaveanAdventservicewithinworship Ourchildrenexperiencedthe Adventserviceinchurch,inSundayschool,andinourhome Adventisthetimewhenwepreparespirituallyforthe comingofJesus,Godincarnate.Whileweareonthisearth,wemustlistentoothersastheyexpressneedsandwayswe canhelp That’swhateachofuscandoduringAdvent listentoandhelpothers WemustbethehandsandfeetofJesus atAdventandallyear
Troublesomeandhorribleeventsareeverpresentinourworld.Howdowemeetthechallengeofchange?Listeningto thepastoralprayerandthesermonmakeclearthepathJesuswouldtake.Weprayfortroublespotsinourcountryandin theworld WeloveGodwithallourheart,soul,andmind Weloveourneighborasourself Changecanbeeasyorvery, veryhard,butGodistheoneconstantoflife GodcomesasababyinamangeratChristmasandweprepareforhis comingandfuturecomingduringAdvent.WecancelebratethisbabyborninBethlehemandwecanhelpotherstomeet changeintheirlivesbylisteningtothemandbybeingwillingtohelpthemasJesustaught
And he said, I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven Matthew18:3
Godofpowerandmight,bewithmeasIencounterchange Helpmetobeagoodlistenerandtotrytolessentheneeds ofothersatAdventandallyear Amen
Hospitality
WhenIwasabout12yearsold,myadultcousin,Joe,stoppedbythehousewithhisfriend Theyweresemidrivers makingarunthroughOhioontheirwaybacktoTennessee.Joe’sfriendwasveryill.Hehadtakentoomanydrugsto helphimtostayawakeonthelonghaul Notrealizingwhathadhappened,hehadoverdosedandwasdeathlyill Idon’t thinkanyoneunderstoodhowseriousitwas.Myparentstookhimintoourspareroomandmymothersatupallnight, holdinghisheadandwipinghisbrowashecontinuouslywassick Bymorning,hewasmuchbetterandheandJoewere ontheroadagain Mymothergotdressedandwenttowork
Hospitalityislearnedmorefromexperiencethanitistaughtwithmerewords Andwhenitisexperienced,itbecomesa powerfulsignofhope Thescripturesremindusthatwearetoofferthesignofhospitalitytostrangersinourmidst Idon’t rememberthenameofthemanthatMotherhelpedbutIbelieveheleftourhousewithdeepgratitudeandafeelingof hopeinhisheart Thoseexperienceswerenotuncommoninmyfamily
Whensomanypeopleliveinfearofstrangers,akindgesturecanmakeallthedifferencetous Hospitalityoffershelp, expressesopenness,promptsustoserveandsharewithothers,remindsusthatweareallGod’speople.Hospitalityis invitationalbyitsnature,isacceptingofdiversity,isinclusive Hospitalitymeans,aboveallelse,togiveofyourselfinfull Christianlove.Whenweexperiencehospitality,weknowGod’shope forusandfortheworld.
Openyourhomestoeachotherwithoutcomplaining.1Peter4:9
CreatingGod,youremindusineveryfaceweseethatyouareaGodofhospitality Whenweareuncomfortablewith someonewhoispoor,ofadifferentcolor,orlivingonthestreethelpustorememberthatyouarewiththosepeopleandin thosepeople Grantusyourhospitalitythatwemaybringyourhopetotheworld Inyournamewepray Amen
KoinoniaClass
Rejoicing
Irecallwhenmyniecewasabouttwoyearsold,wewereplayingwithherLittlePeopleset.Aswewereplaying,one figureaccidentallygotkickedundertherefrigerator.Itriedtodistractherwiththeremainingfigures,butshekeptgoing backtotherefrigeratorandaskingforthetoy ShewaspersistentuntilIgotabroomhandleandretrieveditforher Her facelitupasitbecamevisibleandshecouldpickitupandreturnittohercollection Atthetime,Ithought,thismustbe whatitisliketobetheonesheepandtohaveJesusdeterminedtoneverletyougoandonceyouarefound,rejoicing. Myniecehastwolittlegirlsofherownnow Abovetheircribs/bedsshehaswordsfromCoryAsbury'ssongReckless Love:“BeforeIspokeaword,Youweresingingoverme"and"BeforeItookabreath,YoubreathedYourlifeinme" Ifindhopein"theoverwhelming,never ending,recklessloveofGod Itchasesmedown,fights'tilI'mfound,leavesthe 99" thatHeisnotwaitingformetocometoHimbutisactivelypursuingmewithHisloveandgrace
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulder, rejoicing
Luke15:4 5
DearLord,aseachnewdayarises,letmerememberthatmyhopeisinyou.Thankyouforleavingthe99tofindme. Amen LynetteSpence
Restoration
IamacrafterandIrememberacrossstitchdesignfromoneofmypatternbooks Ayounggirlisinaswing Herhead andbodyareleaningback,sheispullingontheropesashardasshecan Herfeetandlegsarestretchedasfarasthey canreachandsheisgoingupwardtothesky.Thereisalargesunshiningdownonherandherfaceisalightwith laughterandwonder AroundherarethewordsofScripturefromPsalm80,“MakeyourfacetoshineuponmethatImay besaved”
ImaginemysurprisewhenIreadallofPsalm80andfoundoutitisasongoflament,asongofsuffering Thepoetis cryingoutbecauseofGod’sapparentabsence LikelywrittenaftertheNorthernKingdomhadfallentoAssyriain722 BCE,thePsalmistispleadingforrestorationoftherelationshipbetweenGodandtheHebrewpeopleatatimewhenGod seemeddistantfromtheirsuffering.Howlongtheyquestionuntilweseeyourfaceagain.ThisPsalmiscryingoutfor God’sgraceandpeaceandlove
Theplea“letyourfaceshineuponus”isheardthreetimesinthisshortPsalm.ThedesireisfortheverypresenceofGod tobewithGod’speople.Anotherprayer,inNumbers6makesthisrequestclear,“TheLordblessandkeepyou;theLord makehisfacetoshineuponyou,andbegracioustoyou;theLordliftuphiscountenanceuponyou,andgiveyoupeace” (Numbers6:22 26)
Today,thereisstillalotofsufferinginourworld physical,psychological,spiritual Nowasthen,itiseasytogiveinto despairandquestionifGodiswithus Psalm80isacalltoourchurchandourpeopletocontinuetoseekGod’s presence,witnesstoGod’sloveandprayforGod’scountenancetoshineuponusalloncemore.Likethelittlegirlinthe swing,wecanfindcomfortandpeaceeveninthemidstofhardtimesifwearefocusedonGod’spresence
Sotoday,letussingthislamentinsolidaritywithallwhoareafflicted,andpointourfacestothewarmthandbeautyofthe comingincarnation
Thequestionisasked,“Howlong?”Theanswercomes,“Notlongnow God’sfacewillbeheresoon”
Hearus,OShepherdofIsrael,youwholeadJosephlikeaflock;Youwhositenthronedbetweenthecherubim,andshine forthbeforeEphraim,BenjaminandManasseh Awakenyourmight;comeandsaveus Restoreus,OGod;makeyour facetoshineuponus,thatwemaybesaved
Psalm80:1 3
Restore us, O God and make your face to shine upon us that we might be saved Amen
MarilynBeecher
Hopeisacommonly usedwordinourvocabulary.Wehopeformanythings:“Ihopeitwon’traintodayand ruinourpicnic.”“IhopethatGranddad‘shealthimproves.”“Wehopetohaveenoughmoneytolivecomfortably duringretirement”“Wehopethesegraduateshaveabright,successfulfuture”Atthistimeofyear,wemay hearchildrenexpressthehopeofreceivingthatmuch wantedgiftinoneofthebeautifullywrappedpresents undertheChristmastree,orinthatbigAmazonboxwefindsittingonthefrontporch
Hopeisapositivestatementaboutourdesiresforthefuture,butmanytimesourhopesarewrappedupin unpredictablevariables.Weoftencan’tbesurethatwhatwehopeforwillbecomereality.However,whenour hopeisgroundedinGod‘swordandcharacter,wefindthatitdoesnotdisappoint:Hebrews11:1tellsusthat FAITH“...butweknowthatevenfaith mustbeanchoredinsomethingbiggerandmoretrustworthythanwishfulthinking
Psalm33:18says, FromHebrews6:19, “we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure ” We recall from Psalm 146:5 6 that “those who is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see,”
“the eyes of the Lord are on those… who hope in His steadfast love.”
depend on the God of Jacob for help who put their hope in the Lord their God who remains faithful forever, or blessed ” Romans 15:13 reassures us that “the God of hope will fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” And in Romans 5:5, we find that “hope does not disappoint us, because God‘s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us ”
“ … our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness..:”
the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious
WhenourhopeisintheOnewhosteadfastlyknowsandlovesus,whodelightsingrantingourrequests,when thenwecanKNOWthatwhatwe hopeforiscertaintohappen,eveninthebleakestofcircumstances,andwecanconfidentlysingthewords fromtheChristmascarol,“athrillofhope, morn”Letus“fallonourknees”inpraisetothenewbornKing,theincarnateanchorofourfaithandhope forever.Hallelujah!
Jesus,webowinhumblethankstoyouforsecuringourfaith,trustandhopewithyourbirth,life,deathand resurrection.WeaskthatduringtheAdventseasonandthroughouttheyear,youwouldopenoureyestojoin youinyourworkofsharingyourgreatgiftsofhope,trustandpeacewithawearyworld.Withallpraisetoyou. Amen
KarenGagnon
ChristiansHavetheThrillofHope
emphasizeswhatisaheadinourlivesasChristians,asweinteractwithoneanotherandcelebratethebirthof ourLord
“ComeThouLong-ExpectedJesus”setsthethemeforourweeksofanticipatingexplorationasChristians.We continuetobuildourexperiencewith“MyHopeIsBuilt”aswepreviewthelifeandteachingsofJesus
Thenthereisthespiritual,“WeShallOvercome”aswedealwiththe“stuff”ofourdailylivesandleanonthe teachingsofJesus
Finally,“BeThouMyVision,”centersoncontinuingtofollowChristasandwhereHeleadsus.
Timeandagainwehavethe“thrill”aswelearnmoreaboutChristandHispresencewithinus.Itissospecial, atthisseason,toberemindedofwhatwehaveavailable agift fromabovetobesharedwithothers.
A“thrill”hasanewnessaboutit,andweareabletorecognizethefeelingandsharewithourfellowChristians whatweknowandbelieveaboutGod’sloveandcareforusthroughHisson,Jesus Hopeisreadilyfeltduring Adventaswerememberothersandthegrowingexperiencesthatweallhave.
ThisChristmas,especially,asweseeourworldwobblingonadegreeofuncertaintywithbombings,war zones,andalackofunderstandingoftheneeds,fears,andlossesofothers,weremember“OHolyNight” “Fallonyourknees O,Heartheangelvoices. Onightdivine, Onight,whenChristwasborn. Onight,Divine, Onight, OHolyNight.”
AswelooktowardChristmas,we,asChristians,havethe“ThrillofHope”Welistentoandperformmusicthat But,ifwewalkinthelight,Godhimselfbeingthelight,wealsoexperienceasharedlifewithoneanother,as thesacrificedbloodofJesus,God’sSon,purgesalloursin
1John1:7
DearGod,“MyHopeIsBuilt”onnothinglessthanJesus’bloodandrighteousness.“OnChristtheSolidRockI Stand”Bewithusaswefeelthethrilloftheseasonandthehopethatwehavetheentireyear Amen HarrietWarren
Daddy,wherearetheChristianlights?
WhenmywifeMarilynandIwenttoSouthAfricaasmissionaries,wewereassignedtoteachataBibleschool
inaruralsettingwheretherewasnoelectricity.SoweusedAladdinlamps,akerosenefiredrefrigeratorand hotwaterbottlesinbedoncoldwinternights.Afteracoupleofyearswebegantogetreadyforelectricpower whichwastocomeourwaysoon Ourhousewaswiredforelectricityandweusedagasolinegenerator primarilyintheevenings.OneChristmasseasonweeagerlytrimmedourtreewithChristmaslightsin anticipationofhavingpoweratnight.
OnChristmasEveourmissionarycolleaguewenttostartupthegenerator.Butthiswashisfirsttimestarting thegeneratorandhefailedtofliptheonswitch,andtotallyfloodedthegenerator.Therewasnowayitwas goingtostartthatevening
OurtwoyearolddaughterhadlookedforwardtohavingthetreeglowingwithChristmaslightsanddidn’t understandwhythelightsdidn’tcomeon.Sosheaskedme,“Daddy,wherearetheChristianlights?”
Weliveinadarkenedworldofconfusionandconflictandpain,andmanyarelookingfortheChristianlightsof joyandhope Somewonderifthereiseverlightattheendofthetunnel Jesuscallsustobelightsintheworld inMatthew5:14 16:“Youarethelightoftheworld likeacityonahilltopthatcannotbehidden Noonelightsa lampandthenputsitunderabasket..Insteadalampisplacedonastandwhereitgiveslighttoeveryonein thehouse Inthesameway,letyourgooddeedsshineoutforalltoseesothateveryonewillpraiseyour heavenlyfather.”
Weliveinabrokenworld peoplehavelosttheirway theydon’tknowwheretoturn WearetheChristianlights ourworldislookingfor.Wearerolemodelswhetherwerealizeitornot.Weletourlightshinebyouractions bythewaywelive.Wemaybetheonlylightofhopeinsomeone’slife.Christmasisagoodtimetospreadjoy andkindnessinthelivesofthoseinourcircleofcontacts Wedon’tdothisinourownpower,butbythepower thatisgeneratedinusbythelivingpresenceofChrist!
Bytheway,wehadpowerforourChristianlightsonChristmasday.
You are the light of the world like a city on a hill top that cannot be hidden No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket Instead a lamp is placed on a stand where it gives light to everyone in the house In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly father
Matthew5:14 15
ThankyouFatherforsendingyourSonintoourdarkenedworld ThankyouforthelightofyourPresence whichcheersandcomfortsuseachday.Helpustobelightsofcheertoourcoworkers,familyandfriendsin theChristmasseason.WeaskthisinJesus’name.Amen
WesleyCrist
Whatdowehopefor?
OnWednesdayevenings,underthedevotedChristianleadershipofEmilyFelgenhauer,middleschooland highschoolagestudentsfromourchurchandcommunity,makethechoicetogivetheirtimetolearningmore aboutGodandtheirfaithinGodbyattendingBiblestudyatFUMC.Teenagerstrulyunderstandtheideaof hope Thisisevidencedintheirdeeppassionateresponsestocompletingthephrase,Wouldn’titbeniceif Wouldn'titbeniceif....
peopleweren'taddictedtosubstanceabuse peopledidn'ttakeadvantageofeachother. Iwouldbebetteratmath Iwasabetterperson peoplewerejustnicetoeachother. everyonegotalong,noonewasjudgmentalandeveryoneunderstoodeachother. wecouldallliveinpeaceandhaveahealthyearthandIgettoliveinthewoodswithacabinandapretty garden.
Icouldhelpmycommunity. Igottohelpthoseinneed everyonehadequalrights(sexualityandrace). everyonewasnice,nobullies. noonecangethurtmentallyorphysically wealllovedlikeJesuslovesus weallsharedkindnessandnothate. wewereallacceptingofeachotheranddidn'tjudge meandmyfamilywerehappyandpeoplecaredformeandIhadsomeonetolove therewaspeaceintheworld. therewasnopollution therewerenopollutionandifpeoplethoughtmoreabouttheenvironment therewasworldpeace. ifpeopledidn'tdie. iftherewerenodiseasesandnoviolence iffaithwasfirst. ifwarwasnothing.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 God,blesstheyouthandguidethem Keepthemclose,upholdingthemwithyourrighteousrighthand Amen MiddleandHighSchoolYouthfromWednesdayNightBibleStudy,FUMC
“ButMarytreasuredupallthesethingsandponderedtheminherheart.”Don’tmissthatlittlelineofscripture fromLuke InwhatIcanonlyimaginewasanoverwhelmingandprobablychaotictimeinMary’slife,shetook timetotreasureupandponder Let’salldothesameasoftenaswecan Herearesomethoughtstogetyou started:TherearetwodistinctcampswhenitcomestodecoratingaChristmastree...onethatshowcasesa carefullycuratedthemeorcolorschemewithmatchingornamentsandgarlandandtheotherthatinvolves usingakindofpatchworkdesignofdecorationsthatareallspecialbutthatmightactuallymatch I’llstartout bysaying,“toeachhisown,”onthisdividebutletyouknowthatmyChristmastreefallssquarelyincamp#2. Mytreeisjam packedwithornamentsthatrepresentallkindsofspecialmemoriesforme.Thereare ornamentsthatImadeasachild,somethathavebeenspecialgifts,andonesthatshowplacesIhave traveledorthatreflectcertaintimesinmylife.Butsomeoftheornamentsmostspecialtomearetheonesthat representtimesandplacesthatIhaveservedinmissions...thelittlemaracafromayouthpraisebandtripto Cuba,aleatherfringedornamentfromservingwithyouthinasummercampinRussia,awovenbasketfrom myfirstZOEtriptoRwandaandatonofornamentsfromgoingallovertheplaceontripswiththeHandbell RingersandSingers...justtonameafew.AsIdecoratemytreeandtaketheornamentsoutofthebox,all kindsofmemoriescomefloodingbackaboutwhoIwasandwhatwedid Sometimesitbringsbackafunny situationthathappenedonatriporsomethingIwasnervousabout ButifIstepbackfromthetreeandponder aboutthosetrips,itiseasytoseethatGodwasworkinginandthroughmetohelpmegrowandtoopenmy eyestohowHecouldusemetoserveinmyownuniqueway There’sprofoundhopeintheknowledgethatnot onlydoesGodusemeaccordingtomygifts,butalsothatHedoesthesameforeachandeveryonewhoseek Him.Here’stotreasuring,ponderingandservingwellin2023!
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart Luke 2:19
HeavenlyFather,helpustotaketimethisyeartoreflectontimeswhenwewereworkingandservinginline withYourwillandponderhowwecancontinuetousethespecialgiftsandtalentsYouhaveplacedineach oneofusinauniquewayinthecomingyear WeseektoliveinthehopethatYouhaveineachofuslivingout ourbestlifeinYou.Amen
AmyTyner
Whatishopethistimeofyear?ThisparticularAdventseason,Ifindmyselfhopefulandequallyconcerned. EvolvingvariationsofCovid 19arestilloutthere;peoplearestilldyingfromthisawfulpandemic,butthe severityhascertainlytaperedoffandwearefeelingsafertodaythanlastyear!Rejoicealways givethanks, isathemethatkeepscomingbacktome.
Awhileago,over100peopleinFloridadiedina49hurricanecalledIan,butmillionsalsosurvived Thewarin Ukrainehasdevastatedthelandandkilledthousandsofpeopleonbothsidesandstillthedesireforfreedom prevailswithmostUkrainiansandRussiansdesiringpeace.Politicaldivisionseemstobetearingourgreat countryapartandyetpeoplearefindingwaystoloveoneanother Rejoicealways givethanksinahope
filledAdvent!
SotodayI’mdrawntotheencouragingfaithoftheThessalonians:“Rejoicealways,praywithoutceasing,give thanksinallcircumstances;forthisisthewillofGodinChristJesusforyou DonotquenchtheSpirit”
ThanksbetoGod,wehavesurvivedthusfarANDwearenowabletovisitourfamilyandfriends,andgreet folksinchurch.Yes,manydidnotsurviveandwegivethankstoGodforallofthem…still…lifecontinues.We arecautiousbutthankful Rejoicealways givethanksinahopefilledAdvent!
Togetherwefindwaystooffsetdestructionoreviltorestorehope.Weareceaselessinfindingnewwaysto loveothersthroughChristJesuswhostrengthensus Afewweeksago,CristiMooresharedthelyricsofa songshefoundespeciallycomforting.Thesongisentitled,“GodisinOurStory”.Thereissomuchmoretoour lifeandthelivesofothersthisyear Nowremember,
Rejoicealways…givethanksinahopefilledAdvent!
Rejoicealways,praywithoutceasing,givethanksinallcircumstances;forthisisthewillofGodinChristJesus foryou.DonotquenchtheSpirit.
1Thesalonians5:16 19
MercifulandlovingGod,werejoiceandarefilledwithhopeinyourawesomeandsteadfastpresence Thank youLordforleadingusthroughthisAdventseason Amen DaleGolden
Itnevergetsold:IloveourchurchduringAdvent Oncethetreesanddecorationsgoup,webeginsinging hymnsandparticipatingineventsandworkingonministriesofgiving,thereisafullnessaroundthechurchI lookforwardtoeveryyear Allthecelebrationsandanticipation,leadinguptooneofthegreatestnightswe experience,together:ChristmasEveworship Asapastor,itisagifttoexperiencealltheservices,seeing peopleandfamilies,andhearingtheChristmasStory,onceagain.Afterthefinalservice,I’musuallyheading homecloseto1:00am andit’ssoquiet Thesongsstillfloatinmymind,andtheadrenalinestartstofade,but partofmyritualforthedrivehomeistolistentothesongOHolyNight Itisareminder,thatafterallthe celebrating,alltheplanningandpreparation,ChristisbornasGod’sresponsetoaworldinneed.
AThrillofHope,TheWearyWorldRejoices
IthinkabouttheStory MaryandJosephtraveling,havingtoactuponthedemandsofanoppressiveempire, asdidsomanyothers.Ithinkaboutthehardshipstheyandsomanyhadtoendure,andhowsomanyare enduring,inourtime.Ithinkaboutindividualsandfamiliesaroundourplanet,aroundourcountry,rightherein ourowncommunityofLakeland,strugglingsoharddayafterday,simplytryingtosurvive,wondering:Whereis Hope?Whatisourresponse?
Thedifficultywe’reallawareofisthereareoftennosimpleanswerstoarticulateoutloud.Oftentimes,inthe midstofsomeone’sgrieforheartbreakorchallenge,wemayfeelanimpulsetosaysomething,anything,to offersolace;or,ifwe’rereallyhonest….fillthespaceofsilence.Butifweallowthediscomfortofthatsilenceto evolveintosomethingelse,wecanrealizethatthesilenceisactually healthy….becauseitisfilledwithpresence.
ThisistheMiracleofChristmas
God’sresponsetotheoutcryoftheworld ofhumanity isnotastatement,itisnotacommand,itisnota collectionoftextsetchedonstone.ItisthepresenceofGod-Incarnateasababy,bornintotheveryoppression anddifficultyGodhaspromisedtoend Godcontinuesthemessagetothepeople:“Iwillbewithyou”Andlike somanytimeswiththeCovenant,Godfindsanewwaytosharethesamemessage;onlynow,theCovenant walksinhumanform.
TherewereconversationslastyearabouthowneededtheseasonofChristmaswouldbe astheisolationof thepandemicwaseasing,itwasbecomingmorepossibleforpeopletocometogether,anddothingsmorelike weremembered Lastyearwasall aboutre starting.Thisyear,backonourfeet(moreorless),thisAdventseasonmaybeevenmoreimportant; nowthatwe’reupandrunningagain,(moreorless),thequestionwemaybeaskingGodis,HowDoWeGo
The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1 21)
InthosedaysCaesarAugustusissuedadecreethatacensusshouldbetakenoftheentireRomanworld. (ThiswasthefirstcensusthattookplacewhileQuiriniuswasgovernorofSyria)Andeveryonewenttotheir owntowntoregister.
SoJosephalsowentupfromthetownofNazarethinGalileetoJudea,toBethlehemthetownofDavid, becausehebelongedtothehouseandlineofDavid.HewenttheretoregisterwithMary,whowaspledgedto bemarriedtohimandwasexpectingachild.Whiletheywerethere,thetimecameforthebabytobebornand shegavebirthtoherfirstbornson Shewrappedhiminclothsandplacedhiminamanger,becausetherewas noguestroomavailableforthem.
Andtherewereshepherdslivingoutinthefieldsnearby,keepingwatchovertheirflocksatnight Anangelof theLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLordshonearoundthem,andtheywereterrified.Buttheangel saidtothem,“Donotbeafraid.Ibringyougoodnewsthatwillcausegreatjoyforallthepeople.Todayinthe townofDavidaSaviorhasbeenborntoyou;heistheMessiah,theLord Thiswillbeasigntoyou:Youwill findababywrappedinclothsandlyinginamanger.”
Suddenlyagreatcompanyoftheheavenlyhostappearedwiththeangel,praisingGodandsaying,“Gloryto Godinthehighestheaven,andonearthpeacetothoseonwhomhisfavorrests.”
Whentheangelshadleftthemandgoneintoheaven,theshepherdssaidtooneanother,“Let’sgoto Bethlehemandseethisthingthathashappened,whichtheLordhastoldusabout.”
SotheyhurriedoffandfoundMaryandJoseph,andthebaby,whowaslyinginthemanger Whentheyhad seenhim,theyspreadthewordconcerningwhathadbeentoldthemaboutthischild,andallwhohearditwere amazedatwhattheshepherdssaidtothem.ButMarytreasuredupallthesethingsandponderedtheminher heart Theshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforallthethingstheyhadheardandseen,which werejustastheyhadbeentold.
Ontheeighthday,whenitwastimetocircumcisethechildhewasnamedJesus,thenametheangelhad givenhimbeforehewasconceived.
