Come let us go to the mountain of the Lord

St Paul’s Advent Devotions A note about this booklet: The theme for Advent this year is ‘Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord’, taken from Isaiah 2:3. Our Advent devotions have been gathered from members of our congregation. Thank you to each person who has invested prayer, thought and time into this Advent book.

We learn best when we teach what we are learning. Writing these devotions has been a stretch for many of us – they’ve been a lesson well learned in discipleship. The devotion for Advent 12 gives you the opportunity to write your own devotion. Take time to pray over the text, and consider what you would write if I’d asked you to create a devotion based on John 17:13-26. Use this as an exercise in discipleship. I pray that you will be blessed, encouraged, convicted and comforted by the daily reading and reflecting on these devotions. I pray that you will be encouraged to seek Jesus and to grow as His disciples. Have a blessed Advent. Dania Ahern, Co-ordinator, Gather & Grow Ministries.

First Week of Advent

Jesus the most high

Advent 1 - Aldi Elberts Isaiah 2:1-5

This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

“The mountain of the Lord” is our theme during this season of Advent (arrival), this time of preparing to celebrate the birth of God’s Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, and to see His coming again in glory. These opening verses of Isaiah 2 lay out the themes we’ll be looking at over this time. Have you ever stood before a mountain? I remember my first trip to Europe and Switzerland. I stayed at a little village called Grindelwald. It was quite picturesque in and of itself, but looming over the village was a huge mountain called the Eiger. While there I climbed to the base of it. It was exhilarating. Life and mountains can be like that. We are now facing a mountain or two of our own. How do you feel? I know many are feeling a bit worried or anxious about the future. My prayer for you and me, as we face whatever mountains are before us, is that we would be exhilarated. I highlight merely the opening words of this chapter, “In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be firmly established…” The Message says, “Will be The Mountain— solid.” There is nothing more firmly established, solid or secure, than the promises of God. As we begin this adventure of mountain climbing together, we have God’s promise that He will not only go with us, but ahead of us. Along the way, He has promised to meet us again, and “the mountain of the house of the LORD will be firmly established.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Advent 2 - Eunice Blanchard Psalm 122

I rejoiced when they said to me, “let us go into the house of the Lord.” Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel. There the thrones for judgement stand, The thrones for the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. David wrote this psalm about stepping into the presence of the Lord, about worshipping at the temple in Jerusalem. Is this how I feel when I go to church? “I rejoiced…” said David! Is this how I feel when I come to St Paul’s at 11am on a Sunday morning? Well, yes! “My feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.” My feet are in the door, St Paul’s! I may come into the building a little tired and grumpy, but once the liturgy starts I feel awash with a mix of peace and anticipation. I’m in the presence of my God and everything will be well. Knowing I’m about to be forgiven by my creator, after talking to him about the week and being sorry for the things I got oh-so-wrong again! Then grateful for my new life with him. Grateful to hear his Word and so happy to offer thanks and praise. I love being with my tribe too! David feels such exultation and gratitude for the Temple, and it is wonderful to hear his joy in this psalm. He knows that the temple exists to offer a place for the tribes of Israel to gather, for justice to be dispensed, for the wounded to be healed and for the opportunity to worship God together! David describes how blessed we feel, by truly worshipping together in our church. That such worship enables us to bless and pray for peace for all those around us. “For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”” Peace be within you, as we welcome Jesus Christ this season.

Advent 3 - Brian Ahern Psalm 125

Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever. The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong. O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you. But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD. Take them away with those who do evil. May Israel have peace!

Recently we visited a town in Gippsland where there is a magnificent example of an ancient volcanic caldera. The central cone is still very clearly visible and the surrounding mountainous rim is unmistakeable. This was a source of excitement for me, having a degree of training in geology. It was a very good illustration of this passage! Mountains can indeed be barriers or fortifications and here in Psalm 125, we are drawn into an analogy between the mountains surrounding Jerusalem, the holy city of Israel, and God’s protection of his faithful people. This is reminiscent of a quote echoed in both Luke and Matthew: Oh Jerusalem…How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. These passages make some discrimination between those who are open to God’s promises and those who reject them. All are clear in their sense of warning and yet a sense that God dearly wants us to be in relationship with Him in Jesus, who is Immanuel, God with us. We are invited into a safe place with the central peak of Jesus, and we are enveloped in to His care and promises, surrounded by His loving presence. He invites our positive response to what He has done for us. Advent is a good time to refocus on The Mountain.

Advent 4 - Colleen Fietz 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, LORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

In this passage David is nearing the end of his life. But rather than concentrating on what he has achieved his attention is turned firmly to God and his influence on the people of Israel. He begins simply by remembering who God is and how unchanging He is. He is the same from everlasting to everlasting. Next David praises God for what He has. Words like power, glory, majesty and splendour show the God-ness of God. Following this, David praises God for what he does. We are often conscious of what we have or haven’t done, our successes or failures but in this verse the emphasis is on what God has done and is doing. When things go differently to how we would like them to go, we should remember that God is always in control, whatever the outcome. In the final verse, David emphasises thanks, praise and glory to God. It is a good reminder to put God at the centre of our lives, to let our prayers start with you or yours and not I or me. See the Lord’s Prayer which begins with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The spotlight is on God, our Father and not on us. I am reminded of the time when I attended the 1976 Lutheran Youth Assembly in Perth. It was the launch of the Worship Today liturgy and each morning in the chapel we sang with gusto praise to God. So many people, so much singing all to our God and King. Magnificent! In closing, look at the following words from the song Majesty. Sing loudly, boldly and with all your being, giving God the praise he deserves. Majesty worship His Majesty Unto Jesus, be all glory, Power and praise Majesty, Kingdom authority Flow from His throne, Unto his own, His anthem raise.

Advent 5 - Laurie David Philippians 2:5-11

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This passage addresses attitude. Perspective and attitude colours how we see the events of our lives and also how we respond to those events, perhaps particularly when circumstances are not as we would like. The passage explains how, although Jesus was of the highest status by birthright (the very son of God), he didn’t act out of entitlement, but instead humbled himself, associating with what society would have considered to be the lowest form of death, a death reserved for criminals. In our often quite comfortable Australian suburban lives, with private schooling and overseas holidays more common than not, a sense of entitlement is ever lurking, with its expectations that life owes us something. Some social commentators believe that the maladjustment of many young people in the workforce is a direct consequence of over indulgent lifestyles and unrealistic expectations. I know I am guilty of feeling entitled. Over many years of my life I enjoyed a charmed and easy life, so when Paul died and other things in my life began to unravel, I was in for some very rude shocks that have shaken me to my very core – even to the point of challenging my faith as it is hard to understand how a loving and faithful God can also allow terrible heartbreak. What follows in the passage is that God is the one who restores, but what strikes me most was that Jesus accepted his ‘knocks’ (I guess that’s an understatement, as death is as low as it gets!) as a form of obedience. Wow. When I consider my own disappointments my first inclination is to complain or feel sorry for myself. I struggle to accept that God may just have a hand in things, but obedience isn’t even on the radar! Yet sometimes it is when I do just surrender that I’ll see a glimmer of goodness – God’s glory. It might be that I notice someone’s extra kindness or I read something that comforts me. As we begin the season of Advent I think of how a humble attitude might just prepare me to see more of the mysteries of incarnation.

Advent 6 - Dania Ahern Matthew 21:1-10 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

Every Friday I volunteer with Riding for the Disabled. I catch, groom and saddle the horses, and then assist people who have multiple and profound disabilities to ride these beautiful creatures. Sometimes four patient, reassuring volunteers are needed to assist each rider The joy and freedom these adults experience when riding is breathtaking and profoundly rewarding. Calipered, taut legs relax, blind eyes beam with delight, the deaf, blind mute communicate, the anxious are calmed. It’s such a joy to be part of this - I love the horses; I love the people. My time spent with these precious people and these magnificent horses gives renewed meaning to my life. Every Friday I see afresh that life is so much more than ‘a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.’ (Shakespeare) Life is so much more because each of us are created in the image of the God who came as one of us to recreate us from being merely a walking shadow to living a life of abundance. Every single person on earth has meaning and significance because of this gentle Man who came riding on a donkey on a day when ‘the whole city was stirred’. Whatever brokenness, stirrings, stresses, scars or anxieties we carry, this gentle Man has the power to heal, restore and bring peace. He gave sight when we were blind, and freedom when we were captive. Our lives have eternal significance because of the gentle Man riding into history, into our story.

Advent 7 - Carolyn Groves Luke 1:68-75

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

I have heard people say,’ That there is nothing you can do to make God love you any less.’ I’ve often wondered about this, particularly when I look at some of the decisions I’ve made and consequently suffered from. ‘If only I’d given it to God instead,’ I say to myself, in a berating and at times, frustrated tone. Nonetheless, reading these verses both challenges and changes this mindset, because no matter what you have done or where you are, God has indeed come to his people and redeemed them. It is true! God could not love you any less, regardless! His death on the cross has not only raised him, but elevates us to the promises of heaven. He gives salvation from all who cause us harm, and rescues us from the darkest places. We only have to ask... God will take away our fear, thus enabling us to serve and live alongside him in righteousness, as he has promised. So don’t lament the mistakes of the past, but learn from them and live according to God’s will and purpose. Remember he has a huge plan for you that is waiting to unfold, so be filled with encouragement for your future and claim the peace that only comes from him. No matter how underserving you may feel, God came for you! Hold onto his promises and be blessed, this Advent and always.

Second Week of Advent

Jesus the most unified

Advent 8 - Ashleigh Hughes Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD— and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

When reading these verses from Isaiah, a visual comes to my mind of a small grass root growing through a seemingly solid slab of concrete. Jesus was not the leader the world wanted him to be, but he was the one the world needed. Through Jesus’ selfless sacrifice we are made whole, a unified body in Christ. Using the visuals from the passage, the people were expecting their leader to be a large tree, but Jesus came into the world as a small yet tenacious shoot. Jesus had no markings of a traditional leader, instead he came in humility to love each and every individual, create indestructible unity and heal our broken world. To me, plant shoots also remind me of faith, as I’ve often heard faith described as a seed planted in people’s hearts. These shoots of faith can grow in the toughest of places. They are stubborn little shoots of eternal hope, which are tended to through us as vessels for the Holy Spirit. God unites his people – and plants his seed of faith in our disbelief and hard hearts so that strength may spring from weakness. Jesus came to restore everything broken in the world, even everything we perceive as natural. The things we know of the world might even be considered ‘unnatural’ in Isaiah’s vision of a restored and totally peaceful creation. Jesus came to reconcile the relationship between human and divine, but also to unify all of creation in a way that transcends our wildest imaginations. We can get small glimpses of heaven on earth when God’s creation is restored to the way He intended, when we tend to our seeds of faith or serve in humility to bring about unity and peace. I pray that this passage encourages you to explore how you may bring a little heaven back to earth today.

Advent 9 - Claire and Matt Johnson Psalm 72:1-7, 18, 19 Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more. Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.

The celebrations during the lead up to Christmas unify Christians and non-Christians around the world. An example is the Myer Christmas windows. This year they opened for the 61st time. Many talented people, from historians to artisans, joined together during the preceding 12 months to create a delicate and detailed exhibition. The tens of thousands of adults and children who stroll past these windows are mesmerised by the twirling figurines in the magical kingdom. For 2 months, from 5th November to 5th January, Melbourne and its visitors are invited to join in the celebrations of Christmas through this wonderful display. Psalm 72:17-19 reminds us of God’s desire to unite nations around the world to support our leaders and to praise Him forever. As a nation, we are fortunate to be able to peacefully unite together, with strangers in Bourke Street Mall to see the Christmas windows, or with friends and family in our homes. In joining together and celebrating with one another, we are praising Him just like the Psalm encourages!

Advent 10 - Lauren and Damien Ling Micah 4:1-5 In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken. All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.

How often have you admired a mountain range from a distance? The impressive silhouette, its sheer height and grandeur, its peaceful and velvet covering of greenery. And in every range there is one peak higher than all others, more mighty, far superior. Often this is the peak which mountaineers or hikers will push themselves to the limit to reach. How often have you taken the easier path? Perhaps you have admired the mountain from a distance, content with experiencing it only from afar, or thought that the ultimate peak is not for you. Often there will be many paths to choose from, some skirting around the edge of the mountain, others heading in a different direction completely. Everyone can see the mountain, but not everyone chooses to climb. Just as we are tempted to take the undulating, effortless path when in nature, we are also tempted to follow other gods, or make idols within our society. In fact we may be choosing the path away from our true God without realising. Sometimes we are urged to "go with the flow", and whilst this seems okay on the surface, it may itself lead to sinful ways. Like mountaineers who train endlessly before embarking on a perilous hike, we too are called to train spiritually, to practise God's word and therefore be equipped to choose to follow the mountain of God. There he will provide for us. Peace, security and comfort will be had as we recline under the branches. Violence and deceitfulness will be put aside. Micah urges us to choose to follow the Lord, despite the choices of those around us.

Advent 11 - Katie Peters Matthew 3:1-12

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

John the Baptist preached from the wilderness of Judea - the word ‘wilderness’ in this verse meant literally: describing the desert near the River Jordan. But a wilderness at its heart is something pathless and wild, chaotic and empty. These words could just as easily be used to describe times of trouble in our lives today. We sing many joyful songs of praise at Christmas, but sometimes more keenly is the presence of God felt in times of despair and uncertainty - a voice calling out in the wilderness of life telling us that we are not alone. But how do we get out of the wilderness? I always think of the words from psalm 119: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” As you read and listen to the word of God this Advent, be still, and let the light of Christ shine in your hearts and light your way.

Heavenly Father, help us hear your voice calling out in the wilderness when we are lost or afraid. Help us to go out into the world baring good fruit and spreading the joy of the Lord this Christmas. Amen.

Advent 12 - DIY Devotion Day John 17:13-26

As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one,Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Read prayerfully and slowly through this reading a couple of times. As you ponder this beautiful reading where we hear Jesus praying for you and me, ask the Lord to reveal to you:  a greater understanding of what He thinks about you  a greater understanding of how He wants His church to be like  a greater understanding of our mission as Jesus' disciples Write your own devotion, based on what you have heard. Share it with others in your family, or send it to someone who especially needs to hear the Good News right now.

Advent 13 - Dania Ahern Colossians 2:1-10 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

“I’m full!’ This is a common cry at this time of year! Sometimes I feel sick just looking at junk mail brochures packed full of supposedly tempting Christmas goodies. I think if I see another advertisement for plum puddings or Christmas cakes or gift boxes of chocolates I just won’t cope! And it’s not even Christmas yet! There’s another type of fullness that boggles my brain and that I long for every day. The fullness that we have been brought to in Jesus. Jesus, in whom all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. This is the type of fullness that I desire. And yet, like John of the Cross, I know that to receive that fullness, God needs to empty me of the hollow and deceptive philosophies that I too often rely on for my security. Those hollow securities can make my soul sick as surely as too much plum pudding and upset my stomach. Instead of overindulgence this Christmas my goal and my prayer is ‘that we may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that we may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that we may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.’

Advent 14 - Andrew Brook Romans 15:1-7 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. I was an avid cyclist in my youth. But then I began my working life and no longer had time to ride. Either that or Tasmania was simply too mountainous! When I moved to Melbourne I decided to take up the habit again. But I had lost all my base fitness. Even the slightest incline was a great struggle. It was hard to push through the pain. But then I began to ride with a member of my congregation. He was so much fitter than me, but he knew that if he rode off into the distance, it would have been demoralising for me. So he graciously slowed down and paced me up the climbs. He would often ride a little ahead of me, so that I could follow his wheel. That way he could increase the pace slowly, and I could respond. That way I gained confidence and fitness. I learnt to love climbing hills, and I still do. Paul’s words today encourage us to stick with one another. When we are feeling weak and vulnerable, we need to draw on the strength of others. After all, this is what Jesus did for us. “He did not please himself” but willingly embraced the burden of our sin, and took it to the cross. There, through his death, he defeated the power of sin and evil and willingly shared his victory with us. Every good thing that he has done is ours, because we are united with him through our baptism. Not only that: we are united to one another too, called to glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. So keep an eye out for those who are going through tough times. Leave no one behind. “Overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Third Week of Advent

Jesus the most peaceful

Advent 15 - Chris & Beth Matthews Isaiah 4:2-6

In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.

Sometimes faith is overwhelming, I find myself not listening, or perhaps even, I turn my back on God because of anger, grief or loss, as its convenient for me to do life MY way, or listening to the thoughts in my head, over the word of the Lord. Isaiah reminds me that I need to walk in the light of God, always standing in my faith, even when it's not clear to me, this, with the grace of the Lord, is when I will "Marry" him and be under his eternal love and protection. It's a lovely picture portrayed in this chapter, of Gods people, who are those of the fruitfulness of life, who bear his fruit, simply by trusting in the promise of the Lord. God will wash away, with the blood of Jesus, the filth in our hearts and cleanse the blood from Jerusalem so that his 'holy' people (meaning those with a life, a heart, a mind and a body that is genuinely living for the Lord) will be covered with "a cloud of smoke by day and flaming fire by night", something tangible for us to feel the presence of the Lord. If we are born again, we want to be washed and cleansed of our sins, to have that presence of the Lord upon us, to protect us, by his grace and love we can endures all things.

Advent 16 - Lauren Kathage Psalm 146:5-10

Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, maker of heaven and earth, the seas and everything in them, forever the guardian of truth, who brings justice for the oppressed, and who gives food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners; the Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the righteous.9 The Lord stands guard over the stranger; he supports both widows and orphans, but makes the path of the wicked slippery. The Lord will reign forever, your God, Zion, for all generations! Hallelujah!

I find it easier to relate to the psalms of lament than the psalms of praise. And it’s not the victorious Christ with whom I feel kinship, but the broken and wounded Christ. So reading this psalm can feel hollow. How can I praise God for things I don’t see? And what about the things I do see? Children begging on the street in Indonesia, strumming guitars and singing with false cheeriness outside the firmly shut windows of cars waiting for the light to turn green. An old man walking in the rain in PNG, clutching plastic bottles to swap for the day’s meal. The family in Myanmar sitting in their thatched house perched above the murky water they drink and wash in explaining they had to send their teenaged daughter to the city as they didn’t have enough food for her. And I’m meant to praise God for giving food to the hungry? The whole world hungers. It hungers for the broken bread of the broken Christ. When Jesus appeared to the disciples after the resurrection he still carried the wounds of his suffering. Our suffering. Thomas didn’t believe until he touched the wounds. In fact, Jesus invited Thomas to touch the wounds. I find solace in this image of touching suffering and finding faith. In crying out ‘no!’ upon witnessing the pain of the world, we are affirming the eternal mirrored ‘yes!’. The ‘yes’ of a child in a manger who was born to be broken. Food for the hungry … praise God.

Advent 17 - Susannah Ball Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

In this passage, Isaiah reminds us that we have a mighty God but also a God who cares for his people and speaks tender words of comfort. God is the source of comfort when people let me down, when I let myself and other people down. God is there to be turned to like the mother and father that we all wanted when we were young and the understanding parent that we want to be if we have been blessed with children. My Bible waits on my bedside table for me to replenish my soul and seek inspiration of His Word. His Word builds my faith to prepare the way of the Lord rather than fill my life with other concern then God’s glory can be revealed as we come to the mountain of the Lord and like the disciples at the Transfiguration see His power and majesty. Our God comes to us as the Good Shepherd, who not only feeds us on the green pastures of Psalm 23 but carries us in his arms when we don’t have the strength to walk alone or were lost and have been rescued He promises to gently lead us through each day. Our God is a God of inspiration who will protect us out in the world where we can struggle to find justice and compassion. He will comfort us as we return to the sheepfold injured and dispirited for we are His people, His flock and he has given His life for us.

Advent 18 – June Lau Matthew 11:2-11

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Life. We live. Sometimes we feel free and happy, sometimes, we feel joy, yet, at most times, we are living in a prison of our own mind and fear. We live life as Christians, and yet, every moment, there are challenges and attacks on our faith; sometimes it seems like outside pressures, yet, most of the time, it is the insides of us that trembling. In moment of shaking, the moment of the person dearest to us is in pain, sick and helpless, our hearts trembling with fear and weakness. This is the moment that we are closer to God and strengthen our faith in Christ. In prayer, we seek, we ask. We hope, we wait, with patience and faith. The waiting is fruitful. In our normal daily chaos, we are lost in the world of our own drama, and questioning our belief from time to time. In our heart, we want to see “proof” to believe. The “proof” is everywhere, all around us, It is a matter we see through our heart and our sight. Our faith, our patience in waiting, believing the light of Christ in our life, makes this journey of life, sweet and beautiful with joy.

Advent 19 – Brian Ahern Isaiah 9:6-7

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

As we come to the end of the year, do you feel a little worn out? Perhaps just trampled by the pace of life or maybe it is how you have been treated by circumstances in one way or another? You would not be unusual if this is the case! The wonderful thing about Christian life is that Jesus brings an answer to this. When we feel like calling out “stop the world, I want to get off!”, then all we need really do is to change our focus. Fix our gaze on Jesus and our perspective will change. This doesn’t mean we are going to have the biggest, fanciest and most spectacular Christmas ever, but rather perhaps the opposite. May this Christmas be a time when we immerse ourselves in Jesus; in who He is; in what He has done for us and in His Word and His Promises. Then, perhaps, we can leave room for the peace which surpasses all understanding and really open ourselves to an appreciation of what the Isaiah verse comforts us with. We have a victorious God who wins peace, joy, comfort and confidence NOW and even more so when He physically arrives at the Last Day and proclaims a new order in a New Heaven and New Earth where peace and justice and the might of God will take total control in every corner of His Creation.

Advent 20 - Anita and Mark Foster Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Wow! Mary’s song, or the Magnificat, what a beautiful response. A response of absolute heartfelt praise to God to the situation Mary found herself in. A response of joy and peace from the depths of her spirit. God had promised her and the whole world this amazing gift of the baby Jesus, and that baby was growing inside of her. Right from the word ‘go’, Mary’s response is one of faith. We hear it with her words ‘let it happen to me as you have said’ when the angel told her what was about to happen. Growing up, I’d imagined a serene, peaceful, glowing Mary throughout the story. Isn’t that how she looks in all the pictures? But I’d imagine as time went on after the angel’s visit and the initial excitement, the reality of this situation might have become a little scarier. That she may have been anxious about all the unknowns of the situation… after all, the angel didn’t give her a blow-by-blow account of what was going to happen. Perhaps even Mary had moments of doubt. But when she visits her cousin Elizabeth, there is this amazing confirmation of all God had promised. The other miracle baby, John, leaps inside Elizabeth’s womb upon hearing Mary’s greeting. I wonder if you have ever experienced a sense of confirmation of God’s promises to you. A sense of peace or joy in the midst of your circumstances, or a word of encouragement from a trusted relative or friend. Perhaps some of God’s words from the bible leaping out from the page or stirring within your heart. Well these words of Mary’s are certainly stirring, (especially when sung!) and I pray for each of us that our response to the coming of Christ can be the same: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.”

Advent 21 – Rod and Gabrielle Walkenhorst Isaiah 5:2-5a He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. “Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled.

Expect the Unexpected! In reflection, 2016 has been a year of uncertainty. Across many situations, the most unexpected of results have been delivered. By the electorate, the markets and inside the sporting arena, the surprises have shocked often both the winners and the losing sides. In many ways, the people of our modern era are similar to the God’s people of the biblical old testament:

In the bible verse, Isaiah 5:2, one of God’s prophets warns of the consequences of an uncertain and unproductive harvest. “He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit.”

Isaiah was writing during a time when his society was experiencing the “good times” and he was writing to warn those in power that our God wants us to provide our good fruit. This verse speaks as a reminder to the people of Israel about how the investment of time and effort should return an expected result of fruit that is worthwhile. After all the purpose of the vineyard is to deliver fruit that is usable. Likewise, wealthy and productive nations like Australia should be able to support those in need. When vineyards, (but also churches and nations) are not productive then the prophet warns that “now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard, I will take away its hedge and it will be destroyed.” In our own time and lives, our spirit is often tested to produce good fruit. The uncertain harvest is made certain in our faith in Jesus Christ. He washes away the sins of the world and helps us produce the good “fruits of the spirit”. May you and your family have a productive Christmas season with a bountiful harvest worthy of sharing with others. Christmas Blessings to all !

Fourth Week of Advent

Jesus the most joyful

Advent 22 – Keryn Middelmann Isaiah 35:1-10

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendour of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendour of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Time and again we read these words in the Bible: Do not fear. It’s not a suggestion; it’s a command. Someone once told me that there are 365 verses that say ‘do not fear’ – one for every day of the year. God knows how much we need to hear these words. But how hard is it for us to live these words! Throughout our lives we are challenged by events and circumstance. Sorrow and heartache can hit us in a heartbeat; be it pain of illness, difficult or broken relationships, grief of death, or other traumatic experiences. So often life seems to be a relentless climb up an impossibly high and difficult mountain, and it can take all our effort just to keep putting one foot in front of the other. So what do we do when life treats us this way? The world tries to offer many solutions: a new wardrobe, a new car, that dream holiday, the perfect house; the list could go on. And sometimes they help – for a while. We spend our lives searching for joy in the midst of our struggles. There is only one deep, enduring solution. We who know our Lord and Saviour have the promise of eternal life with him. Not a passing, fleeting happiness, but abundant, rich, everlasting joy. And not just for us, but for the whole of creation. I love the rich phrases in this text: the land will “burst into bloom” and “shout for joy”, and water will “gush forth”. And we are reassured that the highway of holiness for the redeemed will be safe and secure. “Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (v 10) That assurance is ours, and can provide deep comfort no matter what our journey through life, a journey which God himself travels with us – all the way.

Advent 23 – Luciano and Melissa Santos Psalm 126

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, LORD, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. We have Foxtel at home, not for the movie channels, but primarily so my husband can watch BBC news and keep up with world politics and current affairs. A lot of news lately seems to be bad news with a focus on death, destruction, greed and power. Good news doesn’t sell papers or get high ratings. It is certainly easy to give up on the world, be depressed and think that the end of the world is nigh. How do we find joy?

Psalm 126 says ‘The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy… Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy’. These words are of great comfort, reminding us that God is with us in any situation, and whatever problems the world has globally and whatever struggles we face in our own lives, He is always with us. If we keep faith always, especially through tough times, we can take comfort and joy in the fact that God loves us and is always with us. Praise God for that!

Advent 24 – Phoebe Green John 15:9-17 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

Remain in my love. (v.9) Our capacity to love is because God has chosen us and given us His love freely. This alone means we can all claim to have experienced unconditional love. Therefore we can also offer our love to each other with abundance: "Love each other in the same way that I have loved you." (v.12). The flip side of course, is that the more we experience the highs and joy of love, the more we may be vulnerable to get hurt from love that is rebuffed, taken advantage of, or through experiencing the loss of a loved one. However, at the end of the day we can take strength and comfort that we all remain in God's love. When I really sit and take in what God is saying to us "remain in my love" my heart immediately blooms as I feel a warm and safe place. A few years ago I read the 5 love languages and it helped me recognise how I feel loved, and how to try to identify how others around me feel loved so I can try to better serve the people in my life. Can you fathom how much God loves you? How do you feel when you feel loved? Are you loving to those around you? There many ways that we can show love, and when we may feel low we can come and sit at the feet of God, and remain in His love. Jesus tells us that he has told us these things so that we "will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" (v.11)

Advent 25 – Dania Ahern Psalm 48:1-3, 8-14 Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress. As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the Lord Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure forever. Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness. Mount Zion rejoices, the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments. Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

I grew up in the city, but I am most content where I can see the horizon by day and the big sky by night. I love walking by the ocean; breathing the salted air, my soul hummed to stillness by the rhythmic waves. Lying out under the black night sky on camping trips fills me with great joy as the stars seemingly reach down out of their portholes in the pitch. Cities just don’t do it for me! Hot concrete and bitumen, glassed in wind tunnels, grumpy, glitzy people, noisy traffic – get me out of there! So, I often struggle to imagine what the city of our God, His holy mountain, would be like. ‘Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth.“ Cathedrals the world over have been built to reflect this beauty and loftiness, so that peoples’ eyes and hearts and voices can be lifted above the grime and guilt of everyday life to praise and lift up the name of the God who forgives, loves and restores. I love taking my infant granddaughter to St Patrick’s and allowing her to crawl inquisitively and endlessly over those cool tiles under that enormous vaulted ceiling, with the harsh sunlight filtered through pretty stain glass windows. I need to remember that God’s city sounds much more ‘liveable’ than Melbourne – maybe I should imagine God’s city more as St Patrick’s Cathedral rather than Bourke Street. God’s city is a place where we can meditate on His unfailing love. We’re to become ‘at home’ with it and allow it to imprint onto our souls so we can share its joy with the next generation. It’s a place of security, and righteousness and sound judgement. The starry nights and endless oceans and vaulted cathedrals bring forth praise from my soul to the God of creation, all as a reminder and a foretaste of Mt Zion, the city of our God.

Advent 26 Jordan Smith Isaiah 9:2-3

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. I think it is fair to say that 2016 has been a rough year for the world. Virus outbreaks, shootings, terrorism, natural disasters and political chaos have left a lot of people wishing they could hit ‘rewind’ on the year. It’s easy to see the darkness in the world right now, and to feel overcome by it. So where on earth is this light Isaiah speaks of? What even is it? Does it mean eternal happiness, positivity, and good fortune? I dare say it doesn’t. ‘What’ it is, or rather ‘who’ it is, is Jesus, our bringer of increasing joy. Jesus says in John 8, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Life in abundance is truly the greatest gift of God to us, bringing with it true joy. Joy supersedes pain. It even supersedes happiness. Joy has no connection with the troubles and triumphs of the world, because its source is in Christ who has overcome all of it. Through the seemingly never-ending tragic news stories of the year, I’ve been amazed by the unity amongst diverse groups of people, united by love in the midst of hate. Beauty is still evident, and if one looks around, you see how wonderful life is, and how lucky we are to be alive. The darkness has not overcome the light shining into it. Someone wrote to me once, “To laugh is to love and to suffer is to love, because both are to live, and both have been taken up into the God who is love, and who is also risen again.” Let’s live in the joy of the knowledge of our abundantly risen Lord this Christmas.

Advent 27 - Kristin Rurade Luke 10: 21-25 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Some time ago, a friend of mine was telling me about a riddle/question that was posed to him: ‘What is bigger than God?”. He told me that most of the adults around him paused for a while, trying to figure out the answer, but the children got it straight away: “Nothing!” I miss some of the simple joys of childhood, and especially the simple faith that allowed me to believe in a good and loving God, no matter what, no questions asked. Some life experiences, including some hurts, tend to overwhelm my mind at times, especially something shocking I might see/hear on the news. At the other end of the scale, when things are going well and all is right with the world (with mine, anyway!), I might slip into feeling like I don’t need to consult God as much about things. A bit of self-sufficiency, usually accompanied by too much busy-ness, creeps in. As adults - or those with more life experience - we can easily over- complicate and allow the things of life to crowd in and obscure (at least in part) our understanding and faith in God. I hope, for a moment at least every day, and especially in the lead up to Christmas and the new year, we can experience the joy that is ours in having Jesus. No wealth, no power - ‘Nothing’ in this world is bigger than the One who came down to earth to walk and experience it with us. We have every reason to be grateful and joyful about this, any time.

Advent 28 – Aldi Elberts Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 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.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

These past few weeks we have been thinking, praying and meditating about “the mountain of the Lord.” Thank you to everyone who contributed their thoughts and ideas to this devotional. Ultimately, this mountain is not something that we climb, but that “climbs down” to us. “They will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).” There is no greater comfort, no clearer salvation. Tonight and tomorrow we will celebrate that event once again. We will be reminded why Jesus came. “He will save his people from their sins.” The mountains around us may not have moved or changed that much since we began this journey towards Christmas, but God’s intent is that we have and will. God has promised to continue to be with us, and to never leave or forsake us (Matthew 28:20). As we soon turn our eyes toward things beyond, next year and the future, we rest in knowledge that there is nothing that God and I (and we) can’t handle together. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). In this faith, hope and love, we will also continue to become “the mountain of the Lord” for others. Dear Lord, thank for this season of Advent during which we had the privilege of preparing ourselves for your arrival. Thank you for arriving once (Christmas). Thank you for promising to come again. May we and others be ready for you, In Jesus’ name, Amen.