Pentecost Faith

Society marks time by the four seasons: summer, fall, winter, spring. For us here in Virginia, each season is unique and has certain characteristics. Last Tuesday we began the season of summer, and now we will have weeks of hot and often humid weather.

Christianity also marks time by seasons. The Christian calendar begins with Advent, followed by Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost. While the dates for the seasonal observances change, each season is a time to celebrate a specific activity that is part of the story of Christianity. Each story represents what God has done on our behalf.

On June 5 of this year, we observed Pentecost Sunday, 50 days following Easter, a time marked by the coming of the Holy Spirit into the lives of believers. That fascinating story is described in the 2^nd chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. Amazing things happened; lives were transformed… Pentecost power became real. This occasion resulted in the birth of the church and the empowerment of believers to continue what Jesus had begun.

But Pentecost is more than an historical event of long ago or an observance of a Sunday in the Christian calendar. It holds a message for all seasons. Pentecost was indeed a transforming event that changed lives and enabled the story of God’s love through Christ to continue to be told and lived. Pentecost faith shaped the life of the church from the beginning and is still a vital part of our faith experience today. It was then and is now a transforming moment in the lives of believers. As a vital part of God’s story through Christ, it is a reminder that we have been given a gift through the Holy Spirit.

Following that Pentecost experience described in the New Testament Acts of the Apostles, many of those present asked a profound question that we need to address today. In Acts 2, verse 12 we read: “All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’”

From the story recorded in Acts we envision Pentecost symbolized by wind and fire. But for us today, Pentecost is not about experiencing exactly what the first century believers experienced. Pentecost is about whenever and wherever one experiences the presence of God and receives strength for living. It is about receiving the gift of God’s Spirit -- God’s gift to us for life’s journey of faith.

To experience Pentecost, we must be open to receiving the gift. Sometimes we have to ask for the gift. In other times it is offered when we need it, but we ignore it. I have discovered the older I get, the more I need to accept and rely on God’s gift of Pentecost. For without it, life is more difficult—life’s potential is incomplete.

Can you recall a time in your faith journey when you had a Pentecost experience? I can…many times-- Just last Saturday while conducting a memorial service for a 53 year-old who committed suicide; a time when I stood by the bedside with the family of a dying friend as life support was disconnected; and a time when I made a life-changing decision about my future and sought guidance and the path was revealed. In all these times God’s Spirit was present offering what was needed for the moment: guidance, comfort, strength, and peace. That’s how God continues to work in our lives today through the gift of the Holy Spirit. That is what the Pentecost faith is about. Pentecost is about “God’s deeds of power!” (vs.11) revealed through the Holy Spirit.

I like the way The Holy Spirit has been defined in one of the historic creeds: “God’s presence with us providing comfort and strength in time of need.” A youngster in a confirmation class I once led defined the Holy Spirit this way: “The Holy Spirit is what God gives us to help us do what we can’t do by ourselves.”

So what is Pentecost faith? Pentecost faith is an ongoing miracle in the lives of believers. The promise of “power from on high” is available to us. Pentecost faith is about claiming the promise and receiving the gift of the abiding presence that defines us and equips us to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. As the creed affirms, “God is with us, providing strength for the journey.” So let us be open to receiving the gift of Pentecost that leads to faithful living.

The Power of Choice

I read a devotional recently that reminded me of an important truth. The author wrote: “We have more power than we realize. We have power because we can choose.” Of course every day requires choices; some are simple; some life-changing, but the power of choice is a gift we often take for granted.

Many of life’s choices require more than simply saying yes or no. They involve a lot of study and thought. The choices we make actually define who we are. Choices establish our core values that shape our faith and our actions, and determine how we live. As we are given the gift of each new day, we choose how we will use it. The question What will I do today? is ours to consider as each new day begins. Addressing the question will determine not only where we start but how we finish the day. Perhaps another question we need to ask as we address the choice of how to use each day is this: What do I want to accomplish? Choosing to set goals, regardless of how small, motivates us to stay active and productive, no matter what age we may be.

So all this got me to thinking about the choices we make to be a people of faith. The first choice we make as a people of faith is to choose a personal relationship with God. The key to meaningful faith is not just knowing about God, but knowing God in a personal way. The concept of choice is found throughout the Bible. Many of the stories are about choices people made and the consequences. The story of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis is about being tempted to disobey God and choosing to be disobedient. That choice damaged their relationship with God and there were negative consequences because of their disobedience. That story is repeated in scriptures through the lives of many others. The stories are of humanity’s disobedience, and God’s efforts to restore broken relationships. In the Old Testament Joshua offered clear advice to those who had turned their backs on God: "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Of course the ultimate scriptural story is of God’s reconciling love in Jesus Christ. So the second choice we make as people of faith is to follow Jesus. The call to discipleship first offered by Jesus was to a group of fishermen. It was expressed in an invitation that changed their lives forever: “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of people.” It was an invitation to learn – to learn more about God and God’s desires for their lives. It was an invitation to develop a deeper relationship with God and to learn about grace, the depth of God’s love and forgiveness. It was an invitation to receive transforming power to become more than they were to the glory of God. It was an invitation, as the apostle Paul said in one of his letters, to become “new creatures.” The response was to choose commitment, obedience, sacrificial giving and living. Little did the first disciples know that when they responded to the invitation to follow Jesus that the road would lead to a cross. Nor did they know that doing so would result in a moment in history that would transform the world for all time. In every century since then, persons who have responded to the invitation to discipleship have done so based on a commitment expressed in the words of an old gospel song, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”

The third choice we make as a people of faith is to live and love like Jesus. He said to those who would be his followers, “Come, take up your cross and follow me.” That is the invitation to a lifestyle of living that reflects Christ at work through us. It is a life of caring and compassion towards others. We can choose to ignore and hurt others, or choose to befriend and help others. We can choose to be indifferent toward others, or choose to love others, in response to Jesus’ new commandment to love one another as he has loved. We can choose our own self-centered desires, or we can choose God’s way as revealed in Jesus Christ.

My mother-in-law is almost 97 years old. She has many limitations because of health issues, but she can still get around because of an electric scooter. She lives in an assisted living facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. She is a person of deep faith who has been an inspiration to me, her family and many others who have come to know her. It is obvious that she recognizes each new day as a gift, and makes choices accordingly. She could choose to sit in front of her TV all day, except for meal times. She could choose to stay to herself, and ignore the world outside her room. But she doesn’t make those choices. In fact she is one of the most active senior residents in the home. She goes to Bible study regularly, and almost all of the other scheduled activities including exercise classes, even though she always has some pain or discomfort. She visits her friends and neighbors, and offers companionship for the journey. Each day she chooses to live life as fully as possible in a conscious awareness of others and their needs. She takes advantage of the opportunities each new day offers. She chooses to embrace life. In a sense, she chooses whom she will serve as long as she has breath.

The following verses were reported to have been written on the wall of Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta, India. “People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway. In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” These inspiring words remind us that we have choices to make about how we can live with meaning and purpose.

A woman celebrating her 100 birthday was asked if she had any advice to offer. She replied, “Live by faith and take one day at a time, one step at a time. It’s all about choices we make. It’s up to us to make life as good as possible not only for ourselves but others as well.”

Life is about choices and the choices we make define who we are. “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Choose to live and love like Jesus. Choose today to live life as fully as possible. May God help us to choose wisely in all things as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Easter People

The Sunday after Easter, is sometimes referred to as “low Sunday” in the life of the church. Why? Because attendance is down, the crowds are gone, the events of Holy Week are over, the excitement of the “Hallelujah Chorus” has faded, and things have returned to a more normal and subdued pace. Following Easter, we must once again face day-to-day living in a Good Friday world often filled with challenging times and unexpected experiences. So how might the message of Jesus Christ's resurrection help us face everyday living?

Following Jesus’ crucifixion, even his chosen disciples asked, “What do we do now?” Some went back to their old ways of life. Earlier when Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” it was Peter who boldly replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” but, in the days following the crucifixion, even he returned to his trade as a fisherman.

Following the resurrection, it took a while for Jesus’ chosen disciples to become empowered to proclaim the Easter message and continue what he had begun. The central message of the Christian gospel was expressed in three words: “He has risen!” Once the disciples experienced Jesus’ resurrection and claimed that message and its meaning for their lives, they were renewed and transformed. They became empowered by Jesus’ words of promise and bore witness to what they had seen and heard. And in so doing they transformed the world with the message of the gospel! It was up to those early disciples to interpret the meaning of the resurrection through words and deeds.

That was then, some two thousand years ago. But this is now, the 21st century. What is supposed to happen after Easter? What does it take for us to move beyond despair to claim the hope of the Easter faith?

If Easter is to become more than a day to observe, its message must transform our lives too. Today it’s up to us as Christ’s 21st century disciples to interpret the meaning of the resurrection – to offer a message that transforms all despair into hope. We are called to claim the resurrection faith and become transformed to live as Easter people. But how do we live as Easter people in a Good Friday world?

Living as Easter people primarily involves two things: First, it’s about what we believe. Easter people claim Christ’s promises for faithful living.

Some of Jesus’ promises that he shared with his disciples that all can claim as his followers are these:

“Because I live, you shall live also.” “ I will be with you always…” “You shall receive power…”

Consider the implications of these promises for our lives. Because of Christ’s promises we can begin each new day in the secure knowledge that we will never again face life's obstacles alone! Our risen Lord gives us hope for the future, what ever it may bring.

Second, it’s about how we choose to live: Easter people live and love like Jesus.Again we look to Jesus to define the lifestyle we are to follow: Praying for guidance … Living a lifestyle of compassion and servant-hood… Sacrificial giving/living. We need to ask, "How are these expressions of discipleship being expressed in our lives?

As Easter people we need to remember Christ’s promises and in so doing, we will find strength to live and love like him! Being Easter people involves living in such a way that others might see Christ in us!

Although Easter Day 2011 has passed, the message is one for every day. Easter proclaims a message for a life-time. The message of Easter moves us from despair to hope regardless of life’s circumstances. Our hope rests in what God has done on our behalf through Jesus Christ on a cross and an empty tomb. The hope required to keep going comes from knowing that God is with us and will never forsake us. Christ has shown us the way!

The Apostle Paul said it this way: “We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt; but never despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:-8-9) That is the promise that transforms despair into hope and enables believers to become Easter people!

A contemporary poet has expressed it this way: “Every morning is Easter morning from now on! Every day is resurrection day, the battle o’er death has been won. I need not fear from the rising to the setting sun; For I am one of the Easter people -- my new life has begun.”

Thanks be to God!

What Ash Wednesday Offers

Although an age-old religious custom, it seems that until recent years, the commemoration of Ash Wednesday has been a neglected experience in many denominations. I grew up in a Methodist Church where we celebrated the central seasons of the Christian calendar, but I have no recollection of an “Ash Wednesday” observance.

I do recall an embarrassing moment when I was in high school. A classmate boarded the school bus and I noticed his forehead looked dirty. Not knowing why, I politely said to him, “Tommy, you’ve got a smudge on your forehead.” He replied, “I know, I got it at church this morning. Today is Ash Wednesday.” Ashes on the forehead from going to church? What was that all about? I took my embarrassing moment and turned it into a learning opportunity. My friend told it me it was “something we Catholics do,” but gave no explanation of why. Perhaps he didn’t know why. It was not until I went to seminary that I learned a deeper appreciation for the holy season of Lent and what it can do for one’s soul.

In the Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. It offers us an invitation. Although an important time which includes six weeks of preparation for Easter, I suspect it is the least understood and least favorite of all the Christian seasons. In fact, a recently published book written by Pamela Hawkins addresses Lent and is titled The Awkward Season. Why the mixed feeling about this season? Maybe it’s because it’s a solemn season, and a time for internal reflection and self-examination which leads to repentance. During Lent, we are called to reflect on our failures and shortcomings that keeps is from being faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Lent is also the season when we must address the reality of our mortality. Most of the experiences of this season reflect topics we would rather avoid. Who among us really wants to be reminded of our mortality through scriptures that proclaim, “you are dust, and to dust you shall return”? We would rather observe the joyous seasons which lift our spirits, not those that have a tendency to pull us down. But, observing a holy Lent forces us to deal with the reality of our sin and our spiritual well-being. Lent when properly observed, prepares our spirits to truly celebrate the meaning and message of Easter.

Lent has a long history that takes us Christians back to our origins. As a forty-day time set aside to realize total dependency on God, Lent became the time when Christians were invited to join in the practices that gracefully lead to growth and renewal of faith. Traditionally it is also a time of self-denial and more intentionally practicing the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, reading and meditating on God’s word from scriptures. As a season of preparation for Easter, Lent can be called a spiritual journey toward a holy destination that leads us to claim the central promises of faith. It helps us affirm that this life is but a prelude to what God has in store for store for the faithful.

This season was observed primarily as a time of preparing new Christians to live out their faith and to grow in faithfulness. Lent addresses the reality of our imperfections and sin, and our need for God’s forgiveness and grace. Thus, unlike other seasons of the year when we celebrate God’s actions, Lent is the season that calls us to actions: repentance, reconciliation and restoration. Lent, on behalf of Christ, invited believers to turn from their sins and return to Christ and his community. So while this is an ancient tradition, it is relevant for every age for we are continually in need of God’s forgiveness and mercy.

Lent also may involve searching for answers to other questions: Why is there so much injustice in the world? Why do good people suffer? Where is the hope in times of despair? Where is God in times of tragedy? These are spiritual questions that we must address in our faith journey. And sometimes the journey may lead us “through the valley of the shadow of death.” But Lent gives us something to hold on to and reminds us that we do not journey alone. As we practice the faith discipline of repentance and seek reconciliation, our spirits are restored, our faith and hope are renewed, and we find peace.

The traditional invitation for Ash Wednesday expresses what Lent can do for us if we respond with open hearts: I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. And, to make a right beginning of repentance, and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us now kneel before the Lord, our maker and redeemer. Amen. (fr. The Book of Common Prayer)

The Power of Encouragement

Upon returning home from church one Sunday morning a woman discovered that her elderly neighbor’s newspaper had not been taken in. So she went to the door to check on her. The neighbor came to the door in her robe, looking somewhat frazzled. After asking, “Are you OK?” the woman discovered that her neighbor had become despondent. So she invited herself in to learn more about the situation. The conversation was one-sided as the neighbor confided, “I don’t know why I am still here at my age. I‘m not sure how much longer I can put up with the aches and pains of aging. I feel so lonely most of the time, I don’t know what to do with myself.” Now if you were her neighbor, what would you say?

In his autobiography, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale tells of one of the most important lessons he ever learned. It was from his fifth grade teacher who would write the word “CAN’T” on the black board in large letters. Then the teacher would turn to his students and ask them, “What shall I do now?” Together they would reply, “Knock the “t” off the “can’t!” Dr. Peale never forgot that lesson. Years later when he became a famous pastor, he would often encourage his congregation by saying. “You can if you think you can!” His “power of positive thinking” was the foundation of his ministry of encouragement.

Life does become difficult at times, but in such times, as a people of faith we should live our lives with hope fed by encouragement. In today’s scripture reading we hear these powerful words that remind us of what is needed in such times: Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

Today’s scripture suggests that as Christians we are called to hold tightly to our faith and encourage others. But how do we do that? Hebrews offers an answer to that question: Let us encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect meeting together, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his coming is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Encouragement is more than merely giving a compliment or standard responses such as “I hope you feel better soon,” or I hope things will work out OK.” Encouragement is any act of inspiration that provides courage to face a challenge.

In his letters that form a major part of our New Testament scriptures, the Apostle Paul wrote words of advice, instructions, and encouragement to the first century community of faith. We often forget what it was like to be a Christian in that day when the early church was formed. They worshiped in secret out of fear of persecution. Many were disowned by their families, and often suffered severe consequences because of their beliefs. They endured many hardships. Others gave their lives for what they believed. How easy it would have been when put to the test for them to say, “We can’t. It’s no use. We give up!” But Paul and other apostles showed them how to knock the ”t” off “can’t,” so they could remain faithful and accomplish great things for Christ! Paul especially was an encourager who inspired others to face whatever life brought their way. And his faith and words encouraged others when they needed it the most. He challenged the Christians in Rome In his letter with these words: "If your gift is to encourage others, do it!" (Romans 12:8).

Two years ago this month, Lindsay Cushing, a bright young woman mature beyond her years, died at the young age of 23 after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. (She and her family became a part of the Bon Air UMC family when I was pastor there.) Upon receiving such devastating news, It would have been easy for Lindsey to give up rather than face the battles that were ahead as she fought her illness, but that wasn’t her nature. Lindsay was a remarkable young woman of faith who through her short life, managed to leave a powerful legacy. Her positive attitude, loving spirit and determination were sources of encouragement for many. These marks of positive living impacted those who knew her. Her legacy includes several simple lessons that guided her life and continue to inspire others who knew her.

Several months following Lindsey’s death, her mother, Gale, felt led to write and publish a book of reflections on her daughter’s life. Her book, “Lessons from Lindsey,” is an inspiring story of the role of faith in times of despair. Gale based her book on a high school project undertaken by Lindsey for an English class. The book is full of insights, wisdom, and practical lessons offered by Lindsey. Here are a couple of the important lessons that when followed, offer encouragement to others: “Give a stranger a smile everyday. It may be the only sunshine they see all day.” “When a friend is in trouble, don’t annoy them and ask if there is anything you can do. Think of something to do and do it!” Such lessons are reminders that it is often simple acts of kindness that offer encouragement to others.

These words of an anonymous writer are included in the book as a testimony of faith: “Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens. Not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude can cause a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcome.”

So what can encouragement do? Start by remembering that encouragement removes the “t” from can’t, so don’t give up, give in, or give out! Encouragement changes a negative to a positive… so work hard at staying positive! Encouragement restores hope… so hold on tight to even the smallest thread of hope!

As a people of faith we are not only recipients of acts of encouragement, but called to be encouragers for others. When Jesus called his first disciples he did so with these words: “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” His invitation was to come and learn, to find encouragement for the journey of discipleship though faith in the God of love. Through out his ministry Jesus offered others the transforming power of encouragement --- persons like Zacchaeus, the woman at the well, and countless others. The encouragement he offered was life transforming. And those who received it became “transformed transformers”. He offers the same today to those who respond positively to his invitation to “come and follow.” As followers of Christ we need to become encouragers for others.

Remember how I defined encouragement earlier in this sermon? It is any act of inspiration that provides courage to face a challenge. As we leave here today, I invite you to receive the power of encouragement that comes through faith. Then consider this question: What can I do to become the power of encouragement for others?

Uncluttered Lives

Scriptures: Isaiah 40:1-5; Luke 10:38-41

The season of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian calendar and is one of the special seasons that cause us to focus on spiritual matters. The word Advent means, “coming” or “arrival” and is a time of waiting and preparation. This season is a wonderful time to “un-clutter our lives.” The four weeks prior to Christmas day call us to respond to the words of the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, who challenges people of faith of every century “to prepare for the coming of the Lord.”

I discovered a new book for this Advent season, The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson. It’s a brief devotional/reflection book that offers guidance for preparing hearts, homes, and spirits for the celebration of the birth of Christ. In the introduction to her book Richardson writes, “Advent is often the busiest time of the year. And yet, we are called to make time and space to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. What a challenge for us as Christians! This book’s purpose resides in helping us clear away obstructions to God—our worries, distractions, negative habits—so that our hearts and spirits are open to God’s movement during this holy time. No matter how busy we may become, God is waiting to break through our endless tasks and distractions to remind us that we are not alone; indeed, God is present with us in every moment.” In her book, Richardson offers helpful insights to make the most of this season. After all, the purpose of Advent is to help us prepare for a holy encounter.

Too often our lives become cluttered with so many non-essential things that we miss the meaning of the season. There seems to be so much to do and so little time, and our lives become cluttered with events and obligations. We go though the motions of so many rituals and take on many added tasks to satisfy the search for the meaning and joy of Christmas. Our lives become cluttered with mundane tasks and activities with little thought to why we do what we do. This time of preparation becomes a race to get it all done before the special day of Christmas arrives when we hope to discover the mystery, meaning and message, if we think about it at all. If we take our cluttered lives into the observance we will certainly miss the peace and joy that Christmas offers.

So perhaps we should consider what is truly important in this season of preparation. Perhaps we should ask, why do we do all the things we do during this season that urges us to rush to get so much done by December 25th?

If you feel your life is cluttered, I suggest that refocusing how you use your time and energy will help you un-clutter your life and fill it with the “things of the spirit.” Our lives begin to become uncluttered when we reestablish priorities, and take time for reflection and remembrance. To do so will not only add meaning to this season but to every season of life. The most important thing we can do during Advent is to attend to spiritual matters. After all Advent/Christmas is not just about decorations, gift buying and giving, attending parties, and the numerous other activities that fill our calendars. This season really is about preparing once again to claim the message which leads to spiritual well-being.

As a matter of fact, if we think Christmas is about preparing for the observance of one day, then we have missed the point. Christmas is any day love is expressed. It happens when we make spiritual matters important and allow our hearts to become uncluttered with worldly things and expectations, and become filled with the true gifts of Christmas: hope, peace, joy, and love. When we do, we truly have cause to celebrate. It is then that we find our soul’s greatest desire, address our deepest human longing, and we discover what Christ came to bring into our often cluttered lives.

Last Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent, I attended the evening contemporary worship at my home church. Upon entering the chapel, I noticed immediately that the altar table in the center of the room was filled with clutter: a Santa’s hat, Christmas wrapping paper, ribbon, a string of electric tree lights, bells, a Christmas card, colored ornaments, and a small burning candle—all symbols of the season. However the central symbol of the faith – the cross-- was notably missing. During the message, the preacher moved to the table and uncovered the cross which had been hidden from view by all the clutter. She then placed the larger cross in the center of all the clutter. What a powerful moment of truth was highlighted by this simple act! It does take the cross of Christ and its message of God’s love to remove the clutter that often hides the meaning of Christmas.

So if you really want to prepare for Christmas, then make these days of preparation ones that enrich your spiritual life. Don’t be content with the limited secular interpretation of the season, but look for the deeper spiritual meaning. Become more intentional in the daily practice of spiritual disciplines. Offer prayers regularly; look for ways to share the meaning and message of the season with others. Read again the gospel story that tells of God’s amazing love and grace. Un-clutter your heart of worldly desires and fill them with the “things of the spirit.” Fill your heart with the true meaning of Christmas so that all you do will be motivated by Christ-like love. Allow God to break through the clutter to discover and claim the reason for the season. And if you do, not only will your life become more enriched with the true gifts of Christmas, but so will the lives of others whom you touch.

The Promise of Emmanuel

Scriptures: Isa.40:1-5; Jeremiah 33:14-16; 2 Cor. 1:20

The season of Advent has begun. It is the first season in the Christian calendar, and has been observed throughout Christendom since the sixth century. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” This season includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day. Advent is properly observed as the season of preparation for the celebration of our Lord’s birth and it is a time of anticipation and waiting.

A central Advent symbol is the candle. A major custom of Advent includes the lighting four candles, one each week, symbolizing the coming of God’s gift of light into the world through Christ. The candles are strategically arranged in a circle wreath representing eternity, and adorned with evergreens, to represent undying faith.

Advent is the season when we once again hear scriptures read from the Old Testament prophets. The message of Christmas cannot be fully understood without their words. The primary task of these messengers of God was to challenge people to live in relationship with God, and in accordance to God’s laws and purposes. Sometimes their words were harsh and condemning, for the times and circumstances called for such boldness. Other times they offered words of hope and encouragement. Two of the prophets, Jeremiah and Isaiah, spoke of God’s promises of deliverance, from which the scriptures were read today.

The four weeks prior to Christmas Day have traditionally been a time of preparation. It is difficult to wait, because we are impatient people. We know the story and we are anxious to celebrate. Many clergy and church musicians insist that we move slowly toward Christmas by singing Advent hymns, and save the more traditional ones that tell the beautiful story of Jesus’ birth until Christmastide.

But it’s hard isn’t it? With all the secular songs of Christmas being played on the radio even prior to Thanksgiving, by December 1, we have already had our fill of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Frosty the Snowman. We long to hear songs with a message of substance, one that that reminds us of the reason for the season. Songs like O little Town of Bethlehem, or Away in a Manger help tell the age-old story. But Advent is a time of preparation, so let’s try to be patient with the liturgy and customs of this season prior to Christmas and use this time as a time of spiritual preparation.

Perhaps the most important thing we can do during Advent is recall God’s promise of Emmanuel. Understanding the word Emmanuel is essential to understanding Christmas. It reminds us of a central truth of our faith, for the word “Emmanuel” means God with us.

But what does ‘God with us’ mean? In the hustle and bustle of so many activities these days, where and how is God with us? My answer to that question is that it means that we are not alone and that we have companionship for the journey of life. It means that what Jesus promised to his disciples, he promises to us. It means that God comes to us sometimes in ordinary and unexpected places (like a stable in Bethlehem) and also in extraordinary times and places (like a hospital awaiting the outcome of tests for a serious illness.) Yes, God is with us in times of both joy and sorrow, when our hearts are glad as well as sad. At times God comes to us when we least expect it, but when we need to know God’s presence the most. Understanding Emmanuel keeps us focused on the true reason for the season.

But how do we claim the promise of Emmanuel? The secret is to come in faith seeking expectantly. Scriptures offer us these words of encouragement: “If with all your heart you seek me, you shall surely find me.” God’s presence is an ever-present reality in the lives of people of faith. God is an abiding presence providing us comfort and strength no matter what life may bring.

Following the communist take-over of Shanghai in 1949, Christian churches were forcibly closed. Dr. Lei, an elderly Christian physician, tells of his experience. The church building had been converted into a warehouse. The beautiful stained gas windows were boarded up, and padlocks placed on the doors. On the Christmas Eve after his church had been closed, Dr. Lei and his wife felt compelled to go to their former place of worship. So they went out into a cold dark rainy night and began the walk to their former church. As they drew near, they became aware that others were walking with them. Before long they had gathered in front of the old church building with fellow Christians. For several hours they stood there in silence. No hymns were sung, no sermon preached. There were no candles or symbols, nothing that is usually associated with the observance of Christmas. But as the clock stuck midnight, a powerful word was whispered and began to spread among them. The word was “Emmanuel.” And in spite of being forced to live under communist control, as they heard that word, it gave them hope and their faith was renewed.

So, as we observe Advent, let us claim once again the promise of Emmanuel -- God with us. When we do, we, too, will be given hope and find our faith renewed, and we will come to know all the joys of this holy season that draws us closer to God.