We started Advent yesterday with a theme of HOPE. Advent is our time of preparation while awaiting the birth of the Christ-child (Christmas).
My wife and I are awaiting the birth of a grandchild in early June. Our preparation as we wait comes with its own wonderful treasury too.
What are the unique God-given characteristics, gifts, and abilities they’ll bring into our world?
It doesn’t take long before our minds wonder and our spirits wander with all kinds of hopes taking shape as part of our waiting.
While delivering the first of four Advent themed sermons, I couldn’t help but think of the groceries under the Christmas tree and off to my left that PPC has collected, and the families PPC has adopted for Christmas.
And while my treasure chest full of lovely ponderings brings us to the riches that await us at the moment of our grandchild’s birth…
…we also have to keep in mind many of us get to do this from a position of stability or security – or dare I say -- privilege?
For these receiving the groceries and adopted families, hope looks a lot different.
I’m not saying that to be critical or demeaning. Quite the contrary.
They no more chose the circumstances of their birth any more than I chose mine.
The grace and peace given us with the Christ-child’s birth sets the stage for our hopes.
Hope that’s comfortable and easy when all is graceful and peaceful.
Hope
that’s desperately important when all is not.
May Advent teach us to ‘hear’ hopes beyond our own.
We’re livestreaming via YouTube Sundays at 10AM, and Christmas Eve at 5PM.
Together We Serve, Pastor Mike