Dear Friends:
The first Sunday of Advent has come and gone. I was struggling for hope in this war-torn, uncivil, divided world of ours but my task was to offer the congregation a sermon full of Hope. I shared some thoughts of Nadia Boltz Weber, a blogger and minister I follow. She always keeps this faith walk very real. nadiabolzweber.com
The scriptures the church uses celebrates Advent in two parts really. The first part (two weeks) is about the Coming of Christ, SOMEDAY; the second part (two weeks) of advent focuses on the Incarnation, Jesus Christ being born into this world, past tense. Both parts invite Christians to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ in the future and the Christmas remembrance that’s happening soon.
I suggested to folks that maybe this year we skip the first focus and jump right to preparing for Christmas as a way of living into God’s hope. As people of Christ’s way, we can read scriptures that offer hope, we can pray for God’s help for hope, and we can encourage and support each other with our stories of hope.
These hope-filled scriptures were offered:
I Corinthians 1:3-9
Psalm 23
Romans 8:28
Colossians 4:2
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
A personal favorite is Philippians 4:-6 International Version;
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Let’s stay hopeful together.
Praying that you not only keep the faith but that you share it.