Peace Presbyterian Church

“Waiting for Jesus”

As we enter the month of December, we enter a very important season in the life of the church, the season of Advent. Advent is a time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth. It is a season of waiting, waiting for the arrival of someone who has already been here, waiting for someone who will be returning again soon. In Advent, we celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, how the Word came in flesh and we look forward to His second coming at the end of time. One way we celebrate Advent is with the lighting of Advent candles; the candles of hope, peace, joy, love and the Christ candle. Each candle will remind us of how Christ is the light of our world and the light of our lives. Let us then enjoy this season, as we wait on and for Jesus.

In Luke 1:37, the angel Gabriel tells us this profound news: “For nothing is impossible with God.” This is one of the greatest truths of Scripture and of Advent. God chose to bring His Son Jesus Christ into the world through a young virgin, Mary. In doing so, God did something humanly and physically impossible. Even Mary wondered at this promise, in Luke 1:34, saying, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” God shows us that He is powerful and capable of doing much more than we could ever think of or dream of. At times, we face situations or relationships that seem impossible to deal with or to overcome, but that provide God with an opportunity to reveal His power and glory in our lives. Advent reminds us that God is powerfully in charge, watching over us and moving in our lives, giving us the strength to endure and to overcome the challenges and difficulties of life as we trust in Him. Praise God!

Advent is also a season to celebrate and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The angels come to the shepherds, to tell them where to find Jesus, and to tell them who Jesus is. The shepherds proceed to go and see for themselves. How did the shepherds respond to what they saw? Luke says, in 2:17-8, 20, “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” The shepherds understood implicitly what we do with good news; we share it, and we go out to find others to tell. Apparently, their message was compelling, causing others to be amazed. The shepherds also responded by praising God, by acknowledging that God had done what He had promised to do. Advent is a time for praising and glorifying God: for His power, for how all His promises have come true, for His loving care and presence in our lives. As God moves graciously and lovingly in our lives, we are called to testify to this, to share His grace with others. Praise God and thank God for the gift of Jesus!

In this Advent season, let us wait on Jesus, in prayer and in praise, in hope and in trust. Let us enjoy and embrace how the Holy Spirit fills us with the gifts of peace, joy, hope and love. Happy Advent!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Brian

Sermons for December 2005

Advent

December 4: Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 7:14
“Joseph: A Righteous Man”
As we seek to be righteous, God uses us to bless others.
Communion Sunday
Lighting of Candle of Peace

December 11: Luke 2:8-20; Isaiah 9:1-7
“The Shepherds: Bearers of Amazing News”
Like the shepherds, we are given the gift of bearing amazing news.
Lighting of Candle of Joy

December 18: Matthew 2:1-12; 2:13-23
“The Wise Men: Seekers”
Like the wise men, we are called to seek and to bring gifts to Jesus.
Lighting of Candle of Love

December 24: “Jesus: the Light of the World”
Luke 2:1-7; John 8:12
Jesus brings light to our world and to our hearts.
Christmas Eve
Lighting of Christ Candle

December 25: “Jesus: A Gift of Love”
Jesus shows and shares with us the love of God.
Luke 2:1-7; John 3:16-21
Christmas Day Service

Our Advent sermon series will focus on the different people we find in the Christmas story. We will look at their lives and we will ponder how God wants to work in our lives too. Please read and reflect on the Scriptures ahead of time in preparation for hearing and responding to God’s Word as it is read and proclaimed.