Read: Isaiah 60:19-22 http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=189657951
O come, O Come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Our world longs, we ache for God's presence. That is where Advent begins.
Advent serves a dual purpose. Yes, we prepare to celebrate Christ's first coming as a baby born in Bethlehem. But we also long for God's kingdom to be fully consumated here and now. We look at our world and recognize that 20 centuries after Christ's coming, we still have a long, long way to go before "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," is anywhere close to a living reality. We know there is something missing, in our lives and in our world, we just are not sure what to do about it.
We hear the voices of the prophets as they long for God's coming, as they long for God's Kingdom to be fully known on this earth. We, too, long.
Our prayer as we begin this Advent journey is that God would use us to make a difference in this world, in this place, today.
O come, O come, Emmanuel! Amen.
Action Plan: Each time you see a candle this Advent season, let it be a reminder to pray for yourself and for someone you know who needs God's love in their lives.
A simple girl, An ordinary man, An unforgettable destination! Join us as we share Adam Hamiliton's book and prepare our hearts to celebrate and receive the gift of Christ's Coming! Union Grove United Methodist Church 6407 Union Grove Church Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 967-1523
Toward The Light
ReplyDeleteToo often our answer to the darkness
is not running toward Bethlehem
but running away.
We ought to know by now that we can't see
where we are going in the dark.
Running away is rampant . . .
separation is stylish:
separation from mates, from friends, from self.
Run and tranquilize,
don't talk about it,
avoid.
Run away and join the army
of those who have already run away.
When are we going to learn that Christmas Peace
comes only when we turn and face the darkness?
Only then will we be able to see
The Light of the World.
Ann Weems-Kneeling in Bethlehem