“One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?” He answered them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” They discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from.” Luke 20:1 – 7

“The ancient Western European custom of lighting the Advent wreath in church…lends itself well to teaching the meaning of the Advent season. The circular form of the wreath represents the earth’s orbit and the ceaseless flow of time. The purple ribbons represent the penitential character of the Advent season and the four thousand years of waiting for Christ’s first coming. The wreath also symbolizes the Light of the World at his first and second Advent. The first candle is lighted on the first Sunday in Advent at the reading of the Old Testament lesson prophecy. Two are lighted the second week, three the third and four candles the final week.” (Advent Landmarks, Robert D. Hershey (1909 – 1993) “For All The Saints” volume III, (p. 7)

Lighting the Advent Wreath is one of my favorite traditions leading up to Christmas. Understanding why we have this ritual is important. Advent is a late comer in terms of seasons of the church year. It was added to mimic the season of Lent – so it too is a time of preparation, of self-reflection, and of anticipation. But the Advent wreath in the church allows families to get involved in lighting the candles, whether at home or in the church. Of course, this practice also helps us count down the days to the birth of the Christ child.

This Advent season will be like none other – at least in my memories. Every week there is a great uncertainty whether we will be worshipping together in person, or just virtually. It is because of the pandemic that I am encouraging you to get Advent candles to light at home. It is important to maintain your connection with your faith and your faith practices in this Covid world. And, since Santa Claus is continually pushing Jesus out of the celebration of Christmas, the holiday specifically named for Christ, we need to do all we can to remind ourselves and our children that Christmas is about waiting for the Advent of Christ, waiting for the birth of Jesus, as well as the arrival of “Saint Nick”.

Pastor Dave

“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. ²¹ “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ ²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:17-24

“I had no idea that God’s love was extravagant, irresponsible . . . and irresistible. I had no idea the God of the universe loved me with no conditions, no addenda to the contract, no fine print. I had no idea God was passionate about me! His passion for me, His love for me, makes me want to love like Him. Passion is much harder than legalism. The behavior of the father appears to be irresponsible, but his passion is irresistible, staggering, compelling—the young man is loved to his senses. It was an act of pure passion.” (Michael Yaconelli. Dangerous Wonder: The Adventure of Childlike Faith p. 112)

“I chose you…” (John 15:16). Keep these words as a reminder in your everyday theology. It is not that you have found G-d, but that G-d has found you. G-d is at work bending, breaking, molding, and doing exactly as G-d chooses – we must be attentive to this fact. Why is G-d doing it? G-d is doing it for only one purpose— that G-d may be able to say, “This is My Child.”

“Choosing” versus “being chosen”. How do you view your work in the kingdom of G-d: that you have chosen your path, or that G-d has appointed a path for you? This is a very important distinction being made: “choosing” versus “being chosen”. One puts us in control, the other puts G-d in control – one focuses on our efforts, the other focuses on G-d’s efforts. When I preached at the installation for my friend Micki, I shared the story of how we met. She was a church organist and worked for the federal government. It was while she was playing as an organist that our paths crossed. One of my Seminary classes required work in a congregation – and I had to choose a congregation to do my work. I chose the one where she was playing. Or did G-d choose this congregation for me?

I would give anyone who believes they are being called by G-d the advice I have learned from my life – if G-d chooses you, there is no running from it. When G-d chooses us, we really have few options, because G-d will mend and bend and mold us until we say “uncle”.  G-d is in control, and does not give up on us at all.

Pastor Dave