A weekly look back and look forward from Pastor Wayne
Looking Back: This past Sunday we began our Advent journey leading toward the celebration of Jesus’ birth. As we celebrate anew the birth of Christ, we look forward to His soon return! Our Advent series is from the book of Ruth. In Ruth 1 we discovered that hope always begins with despair, discouragement, and desperation. Naomi came back to the “House of Bread,” empty handed. Three deaths, and she felt like God had removed his hand of protection and blessing. She wanted to be known as Mara which means bitter. And though bitter was about to become better, Naomi in Ruth 1 is hardly a picture of hope. The birth of Jesus had similar surroundings. Mary and Joseph travelled 70 miles during the darkest time of the year. All the inns were full. Mary is about to give birth. And yet amid despair, God provides Hope! Angels announce the birth of the Christ. Shepherds come to adore Him. Eventually Magi provide expensive gifts which become God’s provision for the Holy Family. Our challenge in Advent, are we trusting God in our despair? Are we putting our trust in the Savior? That’s what Christmas is all about!
Looking Ahead:
This Sunday Doug Stennett will share the message on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. I’m away in California serving the Lord through the ministry of Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds. Pray God will use Doug’s message to encourage and enable following Jesus. Don’t forget Saturday is the Church decorating day for Advent and Christmas. The “party” begins with a pot-luck breakfast at 8 am and then the decorating begins. Plan to join in on the Christmas fun!
Looking Beyond: December 14th, we return to our Advent series from the book of Ruth. Please plan on reading Ruth 2 in advance. Also, follow the Advent devotionals which relate to the themes and to the book of Ruth. The theme on Dec 14th is “Ruth discovers peace in a provider.”