Thursday, December 21, 2023
Divine Love, teach us to find joy in the service of others. May our acts of kindness bring joy to those we encounter, reflecting your love in tangible ways, both as we reflect on the presence of Christ and anticipate his coming. Amen.
God, on this day, we turn our hearts to those who may not be feeling joy this season. As we reflect on the symbol of the candle lit on Sunday, we pray for those facing challenges, loneliness, or sorrow. May your comforting presence be felt by those in need, bringing them solace and peace. Grant them strength, and may the light of hope shine brightly in their lives. Amen.
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Lord, on this last day of our focus on peace, guide our hearts to always seek your peace. Instill in us a commitment to global harmony. Inspire leaders worldwide to earnestly pursue peace, fostering understanding and unity, especially in conflicted regions. May we actively work towards a world where your peace reigns. Amen.
12.13.23
Building a Just Peace This Advent
Dear Church,
This past Sunday, our focus was on peace. We delved into the powerful message from Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3). This call to action isn’t just a utopian dream; it’s a prophecy urging us to actively participate in creating a world where peace and justice prevail.
Isaiah envisions a society where inequalities are dismantled, barriers removed, and everyone is valued. This isn’t wishful thinking; it’s a guiding light propelling us toward a just and peaceful world. The call to action echoes across the centuries, urging us to build a highway for God, not waiting for others but taking responsibility for ourselves.
Preparing the way means making room for God, cleansing our lives of negativity, and allowing God to bring a just peace. This call resonates with the challenges we face today—wars, suffering, inequality. Isaiah’s promise is a bountiful feast, rectifying all wrongs and providing healing.
Building peace starts within each of us, requiring self-reflection, forgiveness, and choosing compassion. Beyond individual action, it calls for collaboration—speaking out against injustice, supporting peace organizations, and holding leaders accountable.
Isaiah reminds us that peace begins within, offering personal, comforting peace. This Advent, may we commit to building a just peace, being messengers of hope and agents of peace. Even the smallest act of kindness can create a ripple effect, bringing us closer to Isaiah’s envisioned world and God’s kingdom.
Pastor Sela
12.6.23
In our recent sermon from the first Sunday of Advent, we explored the theme of “Embracing Hope Amidst Chaos.” Amid life’s turmoil, we’re called to embrace a hope that challenges us to believe in something beyond the visible chaos, much like Isaiah did in the face of suffering.
Isaiah’s trust in God’s presence during upheaval serves as a powerful example. It’s not wishful thinking but a conviction that God shapes us like a potter molding clay, even in the midst of uncertainty.
As we navigate our own uncertainties, let’s lean into the shocking hope that Advent offers—a hope that refuses to let us linger in despair. This Advent season, marked by symbols like purple and blue, becomes a time of expectation. It serves as a reminder not to rush into God’s presence without acknowledging our status as clay in the divine potter’s hands.
In our contemporary context, where chaos echoes Isaiah’s experiences, we, too, long for peace. Yet, Isaiah’s assurance remains—a reminder that God is truly good. So, as we enter Advent with reflection, repentance, and anticipation, may we find joy and thankfulness as we wait with unwavering hope for Christ’s return.
Amen
Pastor Sela
Week One: Hope
Sunday, December 3, 2023:
Gracious God, as we begin this Advent season and light the first Advent candle, we embrace the dual anticipation of celebrating the birth of Christ and eagerly awaiting His glorious return. Fill our hearts with the hope that comes from both the historical fulfillment of your promises and the promise of future joy in Christ’s presence. Ignite a flame of hope within us, dispelling any darkness in our lives. Amen.
a journey in existence 