The Spirit of Advent

The Spirit of Advent Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. We yearn for deliverance from them evils of the world today, not unlike how the Israelite slaves in Egypt cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of all who are experiencing the tyranny of injustice in a world filled with sin, and yet do not lose hope of being delivered by a God who hears their cries and brings deliverance!

Throughout scripture, God revealed that he would not forsake nor leave his people without a true Shepherd. While they looked for a new earthly king, God’s revelation of himself in Christ was not at all what they had expected.

Deuteronomy 18:15; 2 Samuel 7:12-14; Psalm 24:9-10; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-4a; Isaiah 40:1-5; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Micah 5:2; Malachi 3:1; Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:39-56; Luke 2:1-7; Luke 2:8-20.

As we celebrate Advent, we have the promise that the Lord is coming. So we wait with expectation and with hope. We await God’s new work in history, the second Advent, in which he will again reveal himself—bringing peace and justice and righteousness to this broken world. May this Advent season, be one of joyous expec- tancy as we await the coming of the King.

At Christmas and always, may you be blessed by God’s gift of love. Merry Christmas and may God keep you safe and well. Ellory Christianson, Diane Gibas, Nancy Hendry, Doc Moss, Carolyn Nutt, Pam Peterson

Children’s Prayer Time Dear God, thank you for giving us this wonderful Christmas season as we wait for the birth of your son, Jesus. Amen.