Out of what seemed to be a dead stump, came a sprig of hope. That was the beautiful image before us in worship this past weekend, an image from Isaiah. This a hope that isn't just based on wishful thinking, or "the sun will come up tomorrow" kind of optimism however. This sprig of hope, coming out of the stump of Jesse, is the Word which became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. This is a hope that is in the One who comes into those places of struggle and despair with the promise that God is with us and that's God's Light is stronger than the darkness. That's what makes Advent and Christmas such a wonderful season. That's the message that this season is about. That's what we gather around as we come to worship.
The other night I met a lady in the grocery store whom I know from the community. We greeted each other with "How are you?" She said how she is so frantic with the running around and making cookies, or whatever. She did not seem to be enjoying or appreciating this season. I couldn't help but tell her how this is one of my favorite seasons of the year, and suggested that all that craziness is the reason we need to be in church and get to the heart of what it's all about. For apart from the Promise and Hope of the coming of the Christ Child, one can become lost in the night of all of those distractions.
That is the theme for this coming Sunday's special Advent service: "Lost in the Night: An Advent Service of Hope and Expectation" at 7pm, Sunday December 15, here at Our Savior. Last year was the first for this type of service, and it was so well received. Everyone there said, "I'm so glad I didn't miss this!" In this service of lessons and carols, we have yet another opportunity to get to the heart of this season. So, if you're missing that, or know of someone caught up the distractions of it all, or lost in the night, this would be a great time to come and bring a friend.
Also, next weekend (December 14-15), at our 11am service our Sunday School children will be sharing the Christmas story. At the 6pm Saturday service and 8:30am Sunday service, we will also hear the story told but from a smaller group of our young people. This is always a meaningful, special part of our Advent/Christmas celebrations.
See you in church, as we nurture that sprig of hope that is sprouting up around and within us. Pastor Jack Diehl + www.oursaviorelca.com
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