2024-12-08 HOPE IS BORN

Title: Embracing the Journey with Jesus

You might be wondering what Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem has to do with your life today. Well, imagine this: a 90-mile trek, rocky and hilly, with a nine-month pregnant Mary. It wasn't easy, but it was necessary. Just like their journey, we all have our own paths to walk, filled with challenges and unknowns. But here's the good news: Jesus embarked on a journey too, one that offers us hope and purpose. So, how does this ancient story impact your life today? Let's explore.

Mary and Joseph's journey wasn't just a physical one; it was a journey of faith and trust in God's plan. From the moment the angel appeared to Mary, telling her she would bear God's Son, to Joseph's dream reassuring him to take Mary as his wife, their journey was marked by divine guidance. They listened, they trusted, and they followed. This is a powerful reminder for us. Life's journey can be tough, filled with unexpected turns and challenges. But like Mary and Joseph, we are not alone. God is with us, guiding us every step of the way.

Now, let's talk about Jesus' journey. It didn't start in the manger; it began in the glory of heaven. Jesus chose to leave perfection to enter our broken world. Why? So that we might have life and have it to the full. His journey led to the cross, where He took on our sins, offering us salvation and hope. This is the heart of the Gospel. Jesus' journey was for you, so you could experience abundant life, filled with peace and joy.

So, what does this mean for you today? It means that no matter where you are on your journey, Jesus is inviting you to walk with Him. He offers hope, purpose, and a life that is truly fulfilling. If you haven't started this journey with Jesus, now is the time. Trust Him, follow Him, and experience the abundant life He promises.

As you reflect on this, consider this question: What step can you take this week to begin or deepen your journey with Jesus? Maybe it's spending more time in prayer, reading the Bible, or reaching out to someone in need. Whatever it is, take that step. Jesus is worth following, and His journey offers hope for yours.

Let's pray: Lord, thank You for the journey of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Help us to trust You in our own journeys, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. Guide us, strengthen us, and fill us with Your peace and joy. May we follow You wholeheartedly and experience the abundant life You offer. Amen.

2024-12-01 WAIT

Title: Embracing the Silence: Finding God in the Waiting

Have you ever felt like God has gone silent in your life? Like you're waiting for a message that never seems to come? You're not alone. Imagine living without your phone for 400 years—no texts, no calls, no updates. That's what God's people experienced between the Old and New Testaments. But what if this silence wasn't abandonment, but preparation? What if God is working behind the scenes, even when we can't see it?

The Preparation of Silence

In our fast-paced world, waiting feels like a burden. But what if waiting is actually a time of preparation? During the 400 years of silence, God was setting the stage for the arrival of Jesus. The spread of the Greek language, the construction of Roman roads, and the Pax Romana all played a part in making the world ready for the Gospel. Just because we can't see God working doesn't mean He's not. Remember, "God is never late; he’s seldom early; he’s always right on time."

The Faith of Silence

Waiting challenges our faith. It's easy to trust God when everything is clear, but genuine faith is trusting Him even when He seems distant. The Bible mentions waiting on the Lord almost 100 times, emphasizing that waiting builds our faith. Psalm 130:5 says, "I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in his word." Waiting creates expectation, and expectation gives birth to hope. Just like a bodybuilder needs rest to grow muscles, our faith grows stronger in the silence.

The Impact of Silence

The anticipation of waiting can make the arrival of what we're waiting for even more powerful. After 400 years, God broke His silence with the birth of Jesus, the Word made flesh. This was the climax of God's redemptive plan. The silence made His arrival all the more impactful. In our lives, waiting can lead to profound encounters with God. Romans 8:22-23 reminds us that we are eagerly waiting for the redemption of our bodies, a renewed and restored reality.

So, how do we find comfort in waiting? Lamentations 3:25-26 tells us, "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him. It is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord." Just as God's people waited for Jesus, we now wait for His glory to be made complete in all creation.

Conclusion

The point is, God is always at work, even in the silence. Embrace the waiting, trust in His preparation, and look forward to the incredible ways He will reveal Himself in your life. What will you do this week to embrace the silence and strengthen your faith? Will you trust God even when you don't see immediate answers?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the times of silence that prepare us and strengthen our faith. Help us to trust in Your timing and to find comfort in the waiting. May we always remember that You are at work, even when we can't see it. Guide us to embrace the silence and to look forward to the ways You will reveal Yourself in our lives. Amen.