December 1

Goodness Comes from Nazareth.

The good news out of Nazareth was calculated to be fourteen generations. The Israelites longed for the promise from God that a Savior was coming. Their hope was shaky in times of crisis, as is our country and world today. People are divided, disappointed, angry, hurting, suffering, afraid, and corruption and injustice are rampant. Yet, God is not silent, and believers have already begun to echo the message of God’s promise, as did the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary in the gospel of Luke 1:26. Believers are stepping forth in peaceful action to those who are disenfranchised in our communities and in our country. As we enter this sacred time of Advent (Latin roots, “Coming”) celebration, let us remember that God sees us wherever we are and hears our humble cries. Let us look for opportunities with holy anticipation and share the goodness of hope with a world in pain.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Renew our trust in you and break the chains of despair. Free us to wait patiently for your coming. We humbly offer our faith-filled worship in this season. Let us be consistent in our fervent prayers and compassionate in our sharing for your glory. Amen