SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” - Psalm 62:5-8
As I ponder the meaning of this season of Advent in my own life and in the life of our congregation, I find myself drawn to the words of meaningful carols and songs from all times and places. Last year during the Advent season each week we sang the song, “Prepare Him Room” as we lit the candles on the Advent wreath in all of our worship services. This year our theme for the Advent/Christmas season comes from words found in the beloved Christmas song, “O Holy Night.” The lyrics include this line: “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” I find myself humming this and wondering daily about ways to share this hope of Christ in a weary world. The other day I was scheduled for a repeat of a medical test. I felt vulnerable awaiting the procedure, sitting in a room with a few others. We were all hopeful for a good outcome. All of a sudden the young lady across from me began humming. I listened and smiled as I realized she was humming, “O Holy Night.” It was a God-incidence, not simply a coincidence that I had been praying about offering hope for a weary world, and this new friend offered that hope to me in the midst of my own prayers for comfort in my weariness. I thanked this young lady for her gift, and then assured her that she would be in my prayers. We are made to share our lives together. “Lord of hope, you bless our lives every day. We sometimes forget that all these blessings come from you and we overlook them or decide that we just deserve all the wonderful things that come our way. It seems that every year the push for the commercial holiday expectations comes earlier and earlier. By the time we approach the Holy Day we are exhausted; we cannot gather the strength to praise you. Make us ready Lord. Slow us down and help us find release from the demands. Enable us to make decisions that will build hope and community, rather than foster greed and selfishness. Help us reach out to others with gifts of kindness and peace. Enter our hearts and remind us of the peace you bring. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.” (This prayer comes from the Ministry Matters website- December 1, 2019) Pastor Ellynda
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” -John 3:16-17 (NIV)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” -Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)
My son, Gabriel (5 years old), just started Kindergarten this past August. Gabriel thrived last year in our church’s preschool as he learned to connect well with his teachers and classmates, so Natalie and I were anxious to see how he would adjust to “big school.” The first day of school was bitter-sweet for us and Gabriel was a little nervous as he stepped on the bus early that morning. As the bus drove away, we waved goodbye, said a prayer, and also shed a few tears as we walked back to the house. The day passed and we were both eagerly waiting for him at the bus stop. As soon as Gabriel got off the bus, we asked, “How was school?” And his response was, “It was boring…” We chuckled to ourselves but we tried to encourage him every day that first month and, eventually, he seemed to hit his stride. He’s come to make lots of new friends with both students and teachers, alike. I can imagine the “newness” of it all as Gabriel began Kindergarten. It could seem daunting and even scary at times facing the unknown. And so, when I asked Gabriel what “Hope” looked like to him, he decided to draw a picture (see above) and describe it to me: “He’s trying to be brave to help someone. He has a thought-bubble and it says ‘brave.’ He’s trying to find someone to help. He’s being brave to help strangers. He’s on the playground looking for ways to help. He’s playing with everyone but also helping if they’re crying or if they don’t have any friends.” I asked Gabriel why he thought the figure was being so brave. He said, “He’s a good helper because he’s nice and kind. He’s nice and kind because Jesus has been kind to him and he wants to be nice and kind like Jesus.” As my heart melted, I asked if what the figure was doing was giving people hope. He said, “He’s giving strangers hope by being their friend or helping them out if they’re sad and if they don’t have any food he can share his food.” Wow! What a blessing to see hope in a weary world as my son, Gabriel, learns to not only have faith to face the unknown in his own little world but to also pay attention to others around him and finding ways to be nice and kind to them. ------There is nothing like knowing the love and kindness of Jesus. I think about Jesus being brave as he came into the world to save us. He interacted with all sorts of people, but he especially noticed those that were hurting, alone, and hungry and extended God’s love and grace to them. Jesus is the One who brings us an eternal Hope in our weary world and we, as his followers, are called to do the same.
Rev. Tyler & Gabriel Jackson
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” - Jeremiah 29:11
I struggle from the “not ———enough syndrome.” What goes in the blank changes on a regular basis. Sometimes I’m not good enough. Other times I’m not knowledgeable enough, and yet other times I’m not courageous enough. Then I think back to all the people God used in the Bible who really weren’t qualified enough to complete the task before them. It didn’t matter that Moses stuttered, or Abraham was really old. Or think about Mary, the mother of Jesus. I’m sure she had some thoughts when the angel appeared and told her she was carrying the Son of God in her womb. I can think of many words she might have used to fill in the blank! The point is God placed all of us on this earth for a reason. He has a plan for us and it is our responsibility to listen to God and obey the task He has placed before us. You don’t feel equipped? That’s okay, God’s got this. You don’t have the time? That’s okay, God’s got this. You’re not a natural born leader? That’s okay, God’s got this.
As we prepare for this Advent season and look forward to the New Year, I pray you will listen to the amazing plan God has for your life. All it takes is some faith and some “God’s got this”!
“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something... My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” -Jimmy Carter Pamela Popham
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
“Hope delayed makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” -Proverbs 13:12
Hope. You’re going to hear a lot about hope whether it is how much you need it or how much it can help you. Hope is not just a one-way ticket to being happy. That does not mean that hope is bad and that it can’t be helpful. Hope is a tool used to keep you happy when you are going through tragedy. You have to be careful with hope and what you are hoping for. Hope can hurt you if you put your hope in the wrong thing. Hope in money or foolish worldly things can cause you to become tired with life or the world. It is said in Proverbs 13:12 “Hope delayed makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Your hope like your faith is powerful if you put your hope or faith into something that is not worthy, and it will hurt you and tear you down. But if you put your faith and hope in God it will bring you peace and bring you to your place. When you are in hard times people tell you to have hope and tell you to read the Bible. When you read the Bible you want to look to the right place. Proverbs is mostly advice on how to live a good life and I highly recommend that everyone read it when they need guidance. Samantha Bevis
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
Scripture Readings: Psalm 130:5-7 Lamentations 3:22-24
Patience in the Waiting: No Golden Calves Allowed
I saw a meme once that read: You can either wait on God or wish you had. I saw it early on during what was to become a long season of waiting. I thought to myself, ‘well that’s true.’ God tells us in Isaiah 55:9 that “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans.” I believe that. Really. I believe that the Creator of the universe, the One who calls the stars by name, the One who knew my name before I was ever born, the One who sent his son to redeem me has ways that are higher than mine. I believe that, so why is it so hard to wait on him?
Every time I read the Old Testament, I am amazed that the Israelites had such a hard time following God and waiting for him to lead them out of the wilderness. At first, I was pretty judgmental of them. I mean, if God was leading me in such an obvious way as a giant cloud or pillar of fire it would be super easy to follow him, right? After another reading of their journey, I started to see how we can get distracted or discouraged while we wait. We fail to see all the ways that God is taking care of us and showing us mercy while we are waiting on him to fulfill his promises. Did you catch that? Promises. This God who we are waiting on Keeps. His. Promises. He is faithful. The Advent season is a chance to reflect on the events leading up to the fulfilment of God’s promise through Jesus. If we get discouraged and tired of waiting, or worse, try to make our own solution, we are going to miss out on what God is preparing for us. We know how the story of the Israelites in the wilderness ends, so we know that a golden calf was not a good trade for the Promised Land. We don’t want to turn out that way.
I have written before that we need hope in the waiting, but we also need patience. God’s timing is perfect. Let me say that again for those in the back (myself included): God’s timing is perfect. That is actually what is inscribed in my wedding band. And during many seasons of waiting, I have been thankful for the reminder. I want to wait for God’s plan because I know it will be what’s best for me and it will be amazing. I will guard my heart, live in hope, and practice patience while I wait. After all, I can either wait on God, or wish I had.
God of the promise, thank you for having ways that are higher than mine could ever be. Thank you for being a God we can trust to be working for our good. Strengthen our faith and our patience and let us rest in the hope we have in your son, Jesus, while we wait. Thank you for loving us enough to plan the very best for us. We love you, Lord. In your name we pray. Amen.
Nicole Elsey
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you: he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” -Deuteronomy 31:8
After having the second mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy (actually 2 because the first one didn’t have the calcifications they were looking for), we waited for the results. Five days later, the doctor called. “You have Ductal Carcinoma in SITU.” What in the world did that mean? Noninvasive cancer, stage 0 enclosed in a duct – my personal introduction into the world of breast cancer. It was the best- case scenario – I would have a lumpectomy and radiation and be good as new. There is hope – skilled and wise doctors, a successful treatment, a promising return to a normal life. The peace of the Holy Spirit continued to fill me, as it had since I gave this journey to God the day I received the call to go back for a 2nd mammogram. The day of surgery the diagnosis changed before I had the first procedure. The doctor came to tell me that the pathology report for the FIRST biopsy had just come back. It was triple negative metaplastic cancer, stage 1 – an aggressive, invasive cancer. I would have a larger lumpectomy, lymph nodes removed and chemotherapy for this one. I had the surgery that day. My post-op appointment the next week was the best-case scenario – all the cancer was gone and my lymph nodes were clean! I would not have to have a mastectomy. There is hope – treatments that will help prevent the cancer from returning, the peace of the Holy Spirit continues to fill me. I know the Hand of God has intervened on my behalf and guided my path. My cancer was found very early from my annual mammogram. The 1st surgery date was not possible because the Breast Center schedule was full. The 2nd pathology report would not have been back then and I would have had to have a second surgery – a mastectomy. I had 2 biopsies that were farther apart than they should have been when I was only supposed to have one. The Lord has humbled me as I count my many blessings – a husband and family that loves me and cares for my needs; friends that bring food, send cards and books, call, send emails and texts. But most of all, I am blessed by the hundreds of prayer warriors around the world (my mind cannot comprehend this) who are lifting up MY name and MY cancer to the throne of our mighty God. A God of hope, peace, faithfulness, love, grace, mercy, and healing. A God who goes before me to fulfill the plans He has made for me. How awesome is our Heavenly Father! THERE IS HOPE because Jesus came to this earth as a baby, flesh wrapped around His glory, to give you and me a forever life with Him. He brought with Him the love that would take away our sins and give us a relationship with our Lord. He gave the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit to guard us, guide us, and love us through all the good and the bad of life. Whatever the outcome of my journey, I have the hope of eternity. Praise be to the Three in One!
Marla Scroggs
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." -Romans 12:10
When my mom passed away in March 2017, I went through a lot of different emotions. Shock. Hurt. Fear. I had a lot of questions running through my head about a whole lot of different things, and what this would mean for me.
The night she passed away, there were friends from the church who showed up to be with me. It didn’t make the questions go away, but it gave me hope because I knew there were people who cared about me and would help me answer all those questions I had.
Over time, God continued to give me hope through different people in my life. My mom and I did a lot of things together, and it would be hard to replace these memories and traditions. But, my friends have come through for me to help keep these memories and traditions with my mom alive. My friend Kevin came that year and helped me decorate my Christmas tree. Other friends took me out for my birthday that June for Mexican, which was also an annual tradition. I’ve watched football on Saturdays with those who are now very close friends and feel like family.
I now have a different understanding of the meaning of the word hope. Even when terrible things happen, God can still show us that we are loved. I am very thankful for those who have shown me love these past several years, during a very difficult time in my life.
Steve Weimar
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” -Isaiah 9:2
E’en so Lord Jesus
Peace be to you and grace from him Who freed us from our sins, Who loved us all and shed his blood That we might saved be. Sing Holy, Holy to our Lord, The Lord, Almighty God Who was, and is, and is to come Sing Holy, Holy Lord! Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein Rejoice on earth, ye saints below, For Christ is coming, is coming soon, For Christ is coming soon! E'en so Lord Jesus, quickly come, and night shall be no more; They need no light nor lamp nor sun For Christ will be their All! - Paul Manz
Dear God, it sure is dark down here. We are looking for you, trying hard to live for you and spark a glimmer of light so people will see you. But it’s so dark Lord; sometimes we cannot see you very well. People are grumpy and angry. The traffic is heavy. So much is in the way. People are sick. People cheat. They hurt one another. They are selfish. Fear is standing in the dark. It is difficult to see the way.
Christmas is coming and sometimes people are not looking forward to it. They are feeling sad. They’ve had a hard year, the hardest year. Their job has disappointed them. Ungodliness surrounds them. They are tired. They have spent all their joy. The music has played out. The busyness and cost of “the holidays” has turned to dread. It’s just too dark and cold to decorate, or shop, or bake...
I recently spoke with a friend facing a trial larger than the available resources. I was amazed at their steadiness of heart. They knew that God’s plan would prevail. It could have been a fearful and overwhelming conversation... it was not. I could clearly see the love of God shining from their face. I was reminded that even though it’s a long night, the promise of morning lies ahead.
The good news, even the best news, is that shiny baby Jesus is coming into the dark night. He’s got it all covered. He can carry us into Christmas morning and understands all our pain and disappointment and mistakes. He loves us and redeems us. He is ready to bail us out of the darkness. His light is big enough for everyone. His light can penetrate even your darkness. Even so Lord Jesus, quickly come...
Merrilee Brock
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9
“Then He said, ‘Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.’ And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire, a still small voice.” -I Kings 19:11-12
Have you ever heard God speak to you before? I have to admit, I have only heard God speak directly to me a handful of times. In these moments, where I am 100% sure it was the voice of God, it was when I was quiet and still. And READY. How often are we really ready to hear God’s voice? As Elijah experienced, God often speaks to us in “a still small voice.” We won’t hear it by accident. We won’t hear it when we’re distracted, or seeking to hear other people’s voices. We hear it when we are vulnerable and ready to hear from the Lord.
God spoke to me several times right before, during, and after my pregnancy. I won’t tell you each story here and now (but feel free to ask sometime if you’re curious!), but I will share the story of how my son, Samuel, got his name.
I’ve told the story before of how hopeless I felt of ever being able to conceive a child. For years I very much related to the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. In fact, I led a Youth Bible Study on Hannah’s story weeks before getting pregnant. Hannah also had lost hope of ever being able to conceive a child. She chose to cry and soak in her own tears of bitterness, year after year when they visited the tabernacle. It wasn’t until she began to cry out to the Lord that her situation changed. She cried out a fervent prayer to the Lord, and God heard her prayer. She began to believe that the Lord could do what was impossible for her to achieve on her own. Her hope in the Lord is what delivered her.
I VERY clearly heard the Lord speak to me this one word while I was pregnant: “HOPE.” Now, I chose to interpret this originally that I was going to have a girl and I would name her Hope…that was not what the Lord was trying to tell me. Sometimes I think God just has to laugh at how we choose to interpret what He’s trying to tell us. We can be so clueless sometimes!
Fast-forward to all the craziness that happened with my high blood pressure and early delivery at 29 weeks of pregnancy. I’m lying in my hospital bed the night after my son is born, pain meds trying their darndest but not quite cutting it, and I’m going through the list of baby names in my head that my husband and I had been discussing. We weren’t ready for this early delivery, so we were definitely not ready to pick out a name! I fell asleep pondering what we might call him.
It was the middle of the night when I woke up and heard the name “SAMUEL.” I knew it was from the Lord (especially because it was not even in our top 5)! “Thank God,” I thought! Now I don’t have to decide what to name him! It is the absolute perfect name for our little boy. The same name as Hannah’s miracle, whose name means, “heard by God.” Hannah explains his name in 1 Samuel 1:20, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” It wasn’t until months later that I returned to 1 Samuel in my Bible and reread Hannah’s story. And then I noticed something: right above the name “Samuel” in the book heading, 1 Samuel, I had written in large, capital letters, “HOPE.”
I laughed, realizing that God gave me this one little word, “HOPE,” that would point to my future with my child. God DID name my child, it just wasn’t what I had originally thought. And isn’t that how God often works? He only gives us a piece of the puzzle at a time. We can’t always see how everything is going to fit together. And that’s the beauty of hope as well. We don’t have to be able to see the whole picture to believe that God is with us! We can trust in Him and hear His whispers and messages of hope when we are quiet and still and READY.
That is the Christmas story. Eternal Hope being brought into the world in the form of the still, small voice of baby Jesus. Who would’ve ever thought?! But it wasn’t the whole picture. It was just the first piece!
Rachel Hockman
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
“But don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you have learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers -- why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother’s milk! There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful in one way or another --showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” -2 Timothy 3:14-17 (MSG)
Raising Hope in the Midst of Chaos
Being a mother in today’s world is STRESSFUL. We moms are overworked and underpaid. We don’t get enough sleep. We struggle to balance providing for our families and managing the minutiae of our day to day lives and sustaining our own physical and mental health. We carry the mental burden of three men and on top of all that, we’re constantly confronted with messages like:
The world is full of evil.
We’re destroying our environment.
Your kids are spending too much time in front of a screen.
Millennials are the worst.
I could go on but I won’t. That’s a lot to process every day! I don’t know about you but I am overwhelmed. I am discouraged. I am angry. I worry about my son. I worry about the man he’s going to grow up to be and the impact that all of this technology will have on his brain’s development. I’m angry that I can’t keep him safe all of the time and that I can’t control how our world will change in the coming decades. I’m saddened by all of the pain that I see in the world and feel overwhelmed by my desire to fix it.
In the midst of all of this chaos it’s easy to allow our fear and our anger to take over. We get caught up in the rushing and the complaining and the exhaustion of it all and we fail to live the life that God calls us to live. We lash out. We forget Jesus’ teachings about kindness and forgiveness. We despair. We forget that Noah survives the floods and Esther saves the Jews in Persia from Haman’s pettiness and that Jonah survives travelling in the belly of a whale. We feel overwhelmed. We forget that God is faithful.
So what should we do when we forget? We should look to our children and let them remind us of what is beautiful in the world; let them be a reminder of our responsibility to remain grounded in our faith in Jesus Christ and God’s Word. Let them remind us that Hope is alive and well.
Our children are watching. Our children are looking to us for safety and guidance and comfort and support. They are watching how we respond to the chaos in the world and what they see us do now will impact how they respond to the adversity they encounter in their futures.
What response will you model for your children? Will you succumb to the depths of despair and bemoan the unfairness of it all, or will you lead by example? Will you contribute to the chaos that our children experience or will you encourage them in the ways of the Lord and teach them that even in the midst of chaos - there is Hope?
God is Faithful. He is with us in the darkest nights and on the brightest days. Lean on His Word during this Advent season as you navigate the ups and downs of the Holidays. Write it on your heart so that it can hold you accountable and encourage your soul. Your children will follow your lead.
Lauren Lynch
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
-“Trust & Obey,” written by John H. Sammis in 1887, Hymn No. 467
Me: “You want me to do what, Lord? Teach preschoolers for two hours on Sunday mornings?! But I am retired!” The Lord: “But I know you have a heart for these children.” Me: “But who will help me and how should I communicate this need?” The Lord: “Ask the congregation.” And so I reached out to our congregation and oh, how they responded! From folks wanting to help once a month to those wanting to help every week. We are three weeks into this program and with each week we find ourselves reaching out to new little ones and their families. I am so grateful for this opportunity, for those who have encouraged me along the way, and for those who have come on board. Trust and obey when the Lord is calling you, and you will find hope! Kathy Slaton
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
“’For I know the plans I have for you’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a Hope!’” -Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
Our daughter is a Music Therapist, cross-training this year as an Elementary Music Education Teacher. Music has always been her “forte!” She has found music to be a basic connector of relationships between all people. From children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, to elderly with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s Disease, music is a language of Hope and Peace.
Like many of us, our daughter has always had a serious need to know the future. She wants to know how to plan. Decision-making is very tough. She doesn’t want to make a mistake. Ok – she worries more than we think she should!
As a child growing up, her mother and I helped to meet all her needs. We even blessed her with many surprises along the way! She learned, through her diligence and hard work, to always pray and lean on God for His positive outcome in all situations. God has blessed her. He continues to bless her. Just yesterday she accepted a young man’s wedding proposal! (Welcome to the family, Nick!)
We all desire to know our future. It’s part of our human condition. God says, “No. Trust Me in all things. I Am your future!” Even for the most helpless human situations Jesus Christ is our “Hope of Glory.”
Mike Owenby
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:20
My daughter had twins—a boy and a girl. School was fine for them when they attended elementary school. My daughter was a speech pathologist who worked at their school. When they transferred to Middle School, my granddaughter was really unhappy. She would hide in the closets when it was time to leave for school. She told her brother she was going to run away from school. He told his mother and she asked her son to look after his sister and make sure she stayed at school. Her brother told his mom he would be glad to do that, but asked, “wouldn’t it be easier and better if you would put a chip in her? Then we would know where she was all the time!” God doesn’t need to place a chip in us—He always knows what we do and don’t do. God is always with us—no matter which way we turn. Betty Fillingim
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Asa Brock
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13 (NIV)
The Christmas Treasure Hunt
In the summer of 2013, our church started a new mission, delivering over 18,000 lunches to families in need. In the months that followed, two of our United Methodist Women’s Circles came together to provide a free Christmas Shoppe for our most food insecure “Lunches of Love” neighborhood. These women collected and sorted gently used gifts for people of all ages with the hope that everyone would feel loved on Christmas. For months donated items were sorted and organized. Finally, on a cold, damp December day we packed everything up and headed to the neighborhood to set up our “Shoppe” in the middle of a pothole and mud-filled parking lot. As kids ate Christmas cookies in one area, parents “shopped” for them in another. Then parents were guided to the snack area so the kids could shop. Volunteers helped everyone choose just the right gifts for their family members and wrap them up. It was a huge success, everyone had a great day, and the shopping went very quickly. It wasn’t until we were packing up the empty crates that I remembered the piece of paper in my pocket.
I had completely forgotten about the list of people that “I” was supposed to shop for. These were families that couldn’t come to the Shoppe that day because they were going through extreme situations. The nephew who was about to be released after spending 5 years in juvenile detention, who had no clothes that fit; the single mom and her teen son who just days before had lost all of their electronics, all of their Christmas gifts, and their sense of security in a home invasion; the young mom whose baby was in ICU at the children’s hospital while her own mother was dying in the ICU of a different hospital both as a result of the black mold in the apartment building where they lived... there were about 15 people on my list. My intention had been to put a few gifts aside for them as soon as the Shoppe was set up. Everything had happened so quickly; the list had slipped my mind... until now. My heart just sank; I could barely think. Just then a dad from the neighborhood tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around as he introduced me to a single mom and her two 5-year old’s, a boy and a girl. They had just moved into the neighborhood, fleeing an abusive situation, and they had nothing. He had brought them to get some gifts from the Christmas Shoppe. We had nothing left to give. It was only 5 days before Christmas. I added them to the piece of paper in my pocket. We also found out that they did not have winter coats, so I jotted their sizes down as well. I had no gifts, no time to recreate the Shoppe that had taken months to set up, and no plan.
I went home that evening, exhausted, emotionally spent, and completely hopeless. I prayed for guidance but fell asleep knowing that there was no logical solution. I had messed up. Those most in need of some Christmas love were getting nothing.
The next morning, I wrote a desperate email explaining the situation and sent it to a dozen friends. I asked if they could help me go on a “Christmas Treasure Hunt” in search of a few gifts for the families on my list. There were only 4 days left until Christmas. I braced myself for the replies which would surely point out how busy everyone was, how I should’ve thought of this earlier, how no one could really help. The first email was a short reply-to-all, “dropping items by your house within the hour”. The second email suggested we could collect items that evening at our Circle Christmas Party. From that point I’m not sure how many times that email was forwarded, but donations started coming from all over. These gifts, by the way, were absolute treasures! It was as if each donation had been carefully chosen to make the recipient feel special. A group of teachers I had never met went shopping for an entire wardrobe for the teenage nephew who I had also never met. My foyer quickly filled with gifts, and then the living room, and then the kitchen. We wrapped each one with donated gift wrap then stuffed huge black trash bags with gifts for each person in each of the families on the list. We filled my van with gifts and dropped them off at the neighborhood, only to come home to more donated gifts.
Once the list was fulfilled, we tried repeatedly to reshare an email thanking everyone and asking them to please stop bringing donations. As we sorted through the remaining donations, we filled bags with gifts for other kids and families we had met during the summer. We followed a pattern of filling each bag with one gift that seemed like an absolute treasure, a few smaller gifts, a jacket, hat, scarves, gloves or mittens, AND a special book that felt more like a gift than a reading requirement. Eventually the donations slowed down and we filled our last van full of gifts and headed to the neighborhood. We delivered our magical black bags to unsuspecting families, and as I dropped off the final gifts I ran into that same Dad. He had this weird sheepish look on his face. Slowly he explained how he had met another child who was new to the neighborhood. I started shaking my head, “no” as he explained how he had given this child his coat even though it was many sizes too big. Then he met the mom. And the other 4 kids. Then he told me about the barren apartment. And the fact that they had no gifts for Christmas. Still shaking my head, I told him that he had to stop “making new friends” right before Christmas. I was truly frustrated; this had to end. He hung his head, and just barely looked at me as he replied, “I’m just trying to do what your team showed us all summer. I’m just trying to find a way to do my part, to love my neighbors.” And then he pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket. He had listed each child’s name, age, and coat size.
I don’t remember the drive home that night. I do remember that when we got home my front porch was filled with bags. One last load of donations had arrived. As we unloaded bag after bag, we sorted the gifts into a pile for each member of this new family. We were shocked as the coat sizes and accessories matched our list. The gifts were perfect for this family. We even had 6 Christmas stockings filled with toiletry items. We were only missing 2 gifts for 2 of the older kids. It was just amazing. As we finished sorting these final donations, I got a text from a friend, “I didn’t know what you needed, so I picked up 2 games tonight and 2 gift cards, I thought they would be good for 2 teen gifts. I’ll bring them by tomorrow morning.”
I’m not sure who received the greatest gift that Christmas season: the kids? The parents? The donors? The volunteers? So much was generously given, yet the greatest gift truly seemed to be the opportunity to participate in a massive treasure hunt with the single goal of sharing God’s love with others.
Dear God, it is easy to feel hopeless when we try to tackle life without you. Sometimes we forget that we aren’t meant to figure it all out by ourselves. Please help us to remember to seek opportunities to trust in You, to let You guide us. Thank you for the opportunities You give to us, like the chance to participate in a Christmas Treasure Hunt with the single goal of sharing Your love with others. Even when things seem impossible, illogical, and unobtainable, thank you for allowing us the gift of hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Cheryl Mitchell
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” -Isaiah 58:10
“Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” -1 Samuel 12:24
(United Methodist Men’s “Keep Atlanta Warm” Garment/Hygiene Drive 2019)
Once again, our men’s group has been collecting garments and hygiene products to serve those who need extra support and warmth during these cold winter months. This program will run into early next year and we will make several deliveries throughout the winter months. Men’s donations will be delivered to Trinity UMC for the men living on the streets. Women’s and children’s donations will be delivered to Grace UMC for their day shelter.
In the photo above, Rev. Ellynda Lipsey and Rev. Tyler Jackson inspect the donations for our annual drive and we get a thumbs up from them as well as their continued prayers, support and involvement in our men’s ministry and programs.
All items are donated by our church and community family. We’re so thankful for your continued support and all the ways this congregation continues to show Christ’s love by being a light of hope in the darkness.
Robert Kopp
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
“In the last days, God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters
will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams… And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” -Acts 2:17, 21 (NIV)
Additional Scripture: John 1:1-5, 9-14 (NIV)
I’m so amazed by the imagination and creativity of children. It can manifest when playing “make- believe,” impersonating a hero or heroine, re-telling a favorite story or movie. But it amazes me even more when our children’s imaginations are inspired by God’s Word. My son, Gabriel (5 years old), really enjoys expressing his creativity through visual arts. He also enjoys our church’s Worship and Arts Ministry (or W.A.M.). Through W.A.M. our children have the opportunity to learn more about why we worship, how we worship, and the many different ways to share their individual gifts and talents to glorify God. I love getting to see what they’ve been up to in W.A.M. on Wednesday nights. When I asked Gabriel about what the picture (see above) was, he described it this way: “This is God’s fire pointing to your heart so we can have God’s love burning in our hearts. That’s the Sun and it’s shining on the fire and in the darkness. The dots everywhere are God’s love spreading everywhere or fire sparks.” I trust that his description warmed your heart as much as it warmed mine. It never ceases to amaze me how much our children “get it” when we share with them the story of God’s love. That’s the power of the Gospel - the story of God’s redemption for us all through the love of Jesus. It’s not a story only for adults, it’s a story that can be captured in the hearts of everyone and all ages. That’s incredibly inspiring and it gives me a wonderful hope. Let’s not forget two things: 1. There are things that we can learn and be reminded of from our children who are inspired by God’s word. That means that we should not only be telling them the story of the Gospel but also living it every day. It’s true that our children are “sponges” – they listen and watch us even when we don’t think that they are. What are we telling them about God and how are we showing them that God is alive through us? Our children are listening and watching us, which means we have an incredible opportunity to be guiding examples of God’s living truth. What an incredible gift!
2. Let’s not forget to share the story that God has given us this Advent season. After all, God’s light of Hope came to us in the darkness to ignite within our hearts God’s love. My prayer is that we share this story of Hope in the weary world around us and that, together, God’s love is going to catch fire in our hearts – in my heart and in your heart and begin to spread everywhere and to everyone. Amen. Rev. Tyler & Gabriel Jackson
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” -Luke 2:8-14
Pass the Popcorn One of our traditions every year, and maybe yours too, is to watch “Charlie Brown Christmas” together as a family. My favorite moment is when Charlie Brown yells out in frustration, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” And Linus steps out in his cool, calm demeanor onto the stage to tell Charlie Brown and all of us what Christmas is really about from the familiar Luke gospel story. I still get misty-eyed every time I watch this scene.
I’m sure television executives were not thinking that this special would continue to be a favorite and air year after year, turning tv-watching into a church service time after time. Who knew this 30-minute special would impact so many! That same hope is still very much alive today for you and me.
And oh, by the way – pass the popcorn – I think I will watch “Charlie Brown Christmas” one more time.
David Brock
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
The story of Nehemiah exemplifies how hopeful we really can be in the Lord. He was an exile living in Persia as a lowly slave for the King. Nonetheless, when Nehemiah heard the news that Jerusalem’s wall was in shambles, he gathered what resources he could and made the dangerous journey to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall.
Leaders of foreign countries continued to threaten Nehemiah and those building the wall; however, Nehemiah placed his trust in the Lord over the words of others. Throughout his entire journey, he committed to accomplishing a task for God and prayed fervently. Thus, God provided. This gives us hope because, although a task may be daunting, and we may face mockery along the way, anything done faithfully in God’s name for God’s glory will ultimately prosper.
The future can be scary. And I don’t know about you, but it is always on my mind: What should I have for dinner tonight? Who will I hang out with next weekend? What will life be like after I graduate? Here’s the thing. We receive a lot of advice: “roll with the punches,” “live for today,” but why should we not worry about our future when it seems so important?
The simple truth is we have no need for worry. Nehemiah gives us hope that if we simply pray fervently and live our lives as an act of service for God, he truly will provide. Maybe not always in the way we hope, ask, or expect, but he will provide, nonetheless. God already has plans for you. Not just any plans either. Plans “to prosper you and not harm you.” Plans that can give you “hope for the future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Moreover, today I encourage you to be in communication with God. Pray about your concerns and worries, but ultimately seize today as a true opportunity to serve God. Know that because you are with God, he has plans for you and wants nothing but good for you.
Lily Austin
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
Scripture Readings Genesis 22:1-14 and John 3:16
Memed to Tears
Has a meme ever made you cry? Well, I saw this meme. I chuckled briefly and then my eyes filled with tears. I was facing an unknown that seemed pretty scary at the moment. I scrolled through Facebook to take my mind off of things for a minute when I saw this. I laughed at this kid’s expression and then I heard a voice say, “Abraham knew I would provide the sacrifice.” My eyes filled with those tears I like to refer to as “Spirit Tears,” you know the ones where the Spirit is moving in your heart to teach you something. I was reminded of Abraham’s trust in God. When Isaac asked Abraham where the lamb was for the offering, Abraham replied, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (Genesis 22:8). I imagine it was still a very tense situation, but Abraham chose to trust and follow God. Facing unknowns in life can feel like more than we can take, but God is working. He knows what we need. Genesis 22:14 says that Abraham called that place “The LORD Will Provide.” God is faithful and good, and scripture tells us over and over again that he has plans for us and that he loves us. Abraham knew that, even if it seemed like the provision was at the very last second, God provided. So, I’ll keep praying and working on trusting in his timing. God has provided before, and he will do it again.
Oh Great and Gracious Provider, you know our every need. Let us be reminded during this Advent season that you provided the lamb for Abraham and you provided the Lamb for us. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us and allow us to be close to you. Help us to have patience while we are waiting for you to provide for us. In your name we pray, amen.
Nicole Elsey
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
“Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.” -1 Corinthians 12:13
Hope in a Broken World As I entered the church doors of Mountain Park United Methodist Church on October 6th of this year, I immediately knew the service celebrating World Communion Sunday would be special. Little did I know that by the end of that hour, I would be filled with renewed hope for our local church and the United Methodist Church in our land and around our world. Never have I experienced such a place filled with The Holy Spirit, with folks from all walks of Mountain Park UMC life, young and old, faces of many races, cultures, at different places on their spiritual journeys. Many were adorned in beautiful, colorful cultural dress of their heritage. Our Senior Pastor, Ellynda Lipsey, welcomed all in her traditional Pakistani shalwar, kameez, dupatta, showcasing her life, following her parents’ missionary path. There stood Ben Akrong, brightly signifying Ghana, and Evelyn Burke, representing Jamaica. We lifted our voices in praise and celebration of God’s grace. We were blessed to hear voices of our youngest children glorifying our day. Our inspiring Chancel Choir, led by Pastor Mike Owenby, Minister of Music in its highest sense, rang out “Our Hope (O God Our Help).” Written by our Contemporary Worship Director, Nicole Elsey, she also offered “New Wine,” setting the tone for our message. Our youth then joined in the crescendo of the day, leading our combined choir from behind our table, in the special Communion music, “O Come to the Altar,” sung in three different languages. To cap off a most powerful experience, we then heard stanzas of this incredible music, spoken by Snow Williams in Chinese and Funmi Sodipe, robed in a bright green Nigerian dress, in Yoruba. We left inspired by the words of Pastor Emeritus, Charles Barnes, to be the Church our Lord envisions. We will “not stop halfway to the Promised Land.” No matter our differences at this critical juncture in the life of our church, as We Gather in worship, in study, in fellowship, and in mission, we experience God’s grace and we will seek to share it joyously with others. As We Grow in our understanding of God’s love and each other, We will Go to serve others, all who cross our paths, in our church, in our community and across our world. So no matter who you are, how you prefer to worship, where you have come from, how you got here, or where you are going, we invite you into the House of God where you are loved, to pray at our altar and share our table. We are excited you have come Home.
Donna Fisher
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
“Hope” is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - And sore must be the storm - That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land - And on the strangest Sea - Yet - never - in Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me. -Emily Dickinson
I memorized this poem one year in school (don’t ask me which grade), and it’s always stuck with me. It’s a sweet, simple little poem, but speaks to something so great and powerful that every single person desperately needs: Hope. Emily doesn’t speak to the kind of hope we need, just that hope in and of itself is a precious gift. Let me dare say that I will pick up where she left off: it is the “hope of glory” that we all so desperately need. I love the song, “Everything” by Tim Hughes. In this song, he writes, “God in my hoping, there in my dreaming; God in my watching, God in my waiting; God in my laughing, there in my weeping; God in my hurting, God in my healing; Be my everything, be my everything. Christ in me, the hope of glory! You are everything!” When I think of what this phrase means, “the hope of glory,” I think about restoration: something being made back into its original design and purpose. Our only hope of glory is made possible in Christ alone. He literally was and is hope made flesh. Without Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, hope is only as good as a figurative little bird, perched up in our souls. But nothing more.
I pray each one of us will go deeper with what hope means for us this Advent season. What are your hopes that bring the deepest longings, of who you are and who you are meant to be? What kind of restoration are you in need of? Christ alone can offer this to you.
Will you ask him to be your everything?
Rachel Hockman
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
Hope and Its Thrill Hope is a unique construct in the Christian faith. In its most archaic form, hope is an expression of trust. In modern terms its use is to express a wanting or desire for a certain outcome. Hope goes much deeper than that. Hope begins with pain, grief, loss, or something not yet attained or achieved. You see, we must have been put into a situation where something is wrong or not of a desired outcome. We then begin to ask God, “please change this situation.” Hope sets in, believing that God is going to change the situation by what we want. The consequences of this mind-set is that we are disappointed in the outcome many times because it is derived from what WE WANTED for the outcome. God can clearly be involved in the outcome if you ask Him. The difference of where true Hope begins is when we ask and trust God to do what He OUGHT to do, leaving our selfish desires behind. For instance, The Ancient Jews believed that a great Messiah was coming and he was to be a great warrior and leader. The heart of the Jewish people was dealing with pain, grief, loss, slavery, and begging God for a certain outcome. Their hearts were on removing the situation at hand and for God to give them what they wanted. The hope in their cultural concept of the Messiah was a selfish one. God heard their prayers, yet God did what He OUGHT to do and not what they wanted. For if God did what they wanted, Jesus would have been a prominent General in ancient Jewish history whose stories would have been of legend with no transforming outcome from the Divine. Gratefully, God did not grant this request and flipped their cultural, political, religious, societal constructs on their heads. God's design comes from the simplicity and complexity of a child: a child who was born surrounded by animals in probably the most wretched fecal and urine-smelling environment of a stable. God's Hope was designed to transform the deepest, darkest interior of mankind: his heart. For God knew if we could trust in His desire and wanting, the outcome of Christ the Messiah would be the most transforming medium the selfish heart could ever face. If we align with His Hope then the heart is no match for this struggle and will cave to where cultural, political, religious, and societal constructs become irrelevant. This is where and how the Thrill of Hope begins. It begins similarly with the canticle or song of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35). The Holy Spirit was upon him and his hope was aligned with God's, knowing he was going to meet the Messiah before his death. He had been waiting on the consolation for Israel to appear in front him for his lifetime. His hope was in knowing God's Hope and staring hope in its face while holding Hope in his arms. Simeon's hope was aligned with God's. His wanting and trusting for a certain outcome was in line with the Divine. The excitement he felt, and the rush of emotion, probably can never be fully understood because he was at peace and trusting The Almighty's outcome for the situation and salvation for the world. If that is not the truest form of hope that God can grant someone, then what is? Simeon pursued hope until his death because his heart and his trust were aligned with God's outcome. So my question to us for this Advent season is, will we pursue hope as if God were the cultural icon of Santa Claus wanting our own outcomes? Or will we pursue The THRILL of God's Hope knowing it will last us a lifetime like Simeon? I HOPE WE CHOOSE THE LATTER. AMEN. Stephen Johnson
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” -Matthew 1:21
Twenty-two years ago, I was in my senior year of high school. I was enjoying being with my friends at school and church. I had a blast in my final swim season of high school. I remember it being such an exciting year full of events and memories that only a senior year of high school can bring. Senior prom, baccalaureate, senior Sunday at church, and of course- the much anticipated graduation! It was a year full of amazing memories, but it was also a year filled with some uncertainty. Because with every “ending” comes a new beginning that we must face. I knew that I wanted to major in music therapy and I had applied to several colleges and universities that I’d hoped would be my home away from home for the next 4 years. As I started to hear back from some of these colleges, I’d had mostly disappointing news- I hadn’t been accepted...anywhere. What was supposed to be such a hope-filled and exciting time in my life was turning into a time of doubt. It was defeating and worrisome. People tried to reassure me. They offered words of encouragement. But honestly, I’d lost the hope and anticipation of this exciting year. And then everything changed. I’ll never forget that Sunday. I was with my youth group and we were having a special service up in the bell tower of the church. We’d climbed up that tiny little ladder and all gathered around on a landing. We sang songs that we’d always sung together and shared communion together. We were in a time of silent prayer when I heard “it’s o.k.” whispered. I felt a sense of peace and hope come over me. I left church that night knowing that things would truly be o.k. Within a week of that time, I got an acceptance letter to my first choice in colleges and I even received a scholarship.
We seek out hope in all kinds of situations in life. We are hopeful in happy and exciting situations such as new relationships, new jobs, new children entering our family, or the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. When we face challenging life situations we are hopeful that things will change for the better. We are hopeful that things will change quickly and that our challenging season will end quickly. But where does this hope come from? Are we relying on people and worldly things to bring hope in our lives, or are we placing our hope in a baby? Matthew 1:21 (CEB) says, “She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Are our hearts open to the birth of a Savior who saves us from our sins and provides the greatest hope of all? Twenty-two years ago I found my hope was restored through a quiet and close moment with God. It required me to stop, listen, and open my heart to what God had to say. On this Christmas Eve, stop and listen to what God is saying to you, and do it with an open heart. Because the fact that God sent his Son as a gift to us, is the greatest source of hope we could ever imagine. Amy Stephens
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25
“In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom. Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.” -Luke 2:1-20 (CEB)
On this Christmas day, we join together with the angels proclaiming the good news of our savior, Jesus Christ, being born among us. We celebrate the eternal hope we’re given knowing that the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation and redemption begins right here. When I read this passage, one of the things that stood out to me is how this narrative primarily follows the perspective of the shepherds that were nearby to Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. The proclamation of the angels that “Your savior is born today” is an announcement of the redeeming work that God has begun in the world. And the proclamation was given on an otherwise ordinary day to ordinary people. The angels continue to share that there is a sign – something real and tangible - that will show the shepherds that this proclamation is true; that God’s redeeming work isn’t somewhere “out there” but somewhere near to them. They will be able to see, hear, and touch God, who has been born among them through Jesus. And when they went searching for the sign, behold they had found and encountered God and all that had been spoken was true! I think about our world today and how we’ve become weary of all the troubles, challenges, and uncertainties that fill us and surround us. So much so, that it’s almost become our new normal - our new ordinary. And yet at the end of the calendar year, we gather together to proclaim and celebrate God’s work of redemption being born among us - in the middle of all our brokenness, fear, and turmoil. This proclamation of a savior being born among us “wakes us up” and reminds us that there’s something more, that there’s enduring hope – “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5, CEB) And yet, the proclamation, alone, isn’t enough. People are searching for that hope and for this proclamation to be true. Are there any signs that God is still with us? Are there any signs that God’s redeeming work is actually still at work? As followers of Jesus, we don’t just proclaim God’s hope and love, we are called to share and live it every day of our lives. Because when we do this, we become the tangible “signs” that show people that God is still present, still enduring, still with us, and forever faithful. We become the hope of God living and responding to the weary world around us. I’m reminded of the simple things that we can do to share this Hope with others. Not too long ago, we had a young man who had recently become homeless come to our church during the week. When I spoke with him, he had shared how he had come down on hard times and was just trying to do the right thing. To say that he was discouraged from experiencing setback after setback, would be an understatement. I asked him what he needed, and he said that he didn’t know. He was lost, tired, uncertain - he was weary. I decided to go and get him some water because it had been a particularly hot day and he had been walking for miles to get to a shelter in downtown Atlanta. I came back with some water bottles and as he took one, he immediately started crying. He was so grateful that someone had listened to him and responded to his weariness with kindness. I was able to encourage him and pray with him. I share this story not to make myself look good (on the contrary!) but to share that it was a vivid reminder for me (and I hope for us all) that even the smallest acts of kindness can birth God’s hope in people’s lives today if we are willing to listen and respond with God’s love to the weary world around us. My prayer with the young man went something like this: God, we are grateful for You and Your abiding love. Your love never fails, and You never forsake us or abandon us even in the darkest times of our lives. God, we are grateful that we, as faithful followers of Your son, Jesus, have opportunities to share Your love and kindness in small ways and in big ways. God, let the kindness we’ve been able to show this young man as Your church be a reminder that You are still present, that You care about us all, and that You care about this young man and his wellbeing. God, go with him and let our interaction this day be a sign of Your enduring hope and love. Today, we celebrate and proclaim that our Savior is born. May we, as followers of our Savior, be “signs” of God’s ongoing work of redemption by bringing the thrill of God’s hope in the weary world today. Amen. Rev. Tyler Jackson