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Introduction to Worship for 12/4/2016

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Advent is the beginning of the church year.  “Advent” means “beginning” or “coming”. We begin, not with the birth of Jesus, but with a time of waiting and preparation for his coming.

Advent is about actively preparing for and anticipating God coming into our lives – not only preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth in a few weeks but actively preparing for God to come into our lives EVERY DAY! God’s presence with us – and our presence with those who are precious to God – brings us closer to God. We grow spiritually, love deeply, and work for peace and justice for all God’s people. During this Advent season we hear God’s message of love, peace, and justice from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah challenges us with a message of peace that demands us to work for the well-being of everyone, not simply to set aside our weapons (Isaiah 2:1–5). God’s peace requires our participation and energy – just as much energy as we might have spent fighting. Isaiah also shares a vision of power that’s up-ended, reversed – “And a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). But how can this be? This is the hope filled vision of a new world, a world of peace and harmony. A world we’d like to live in today.

Advent can be a very busy time of year. It’s a time when the church says, “Wait,” and savor these four weeks of preparation for the coming of Christ into our lives. But many people find themselves rushing to parties, shopping malls, Christmas plays, and family gatherings. During this hurried season, it’s important to pause and get ready for Emmanuel, God with us, to actually be with us. Advent prepares us for the message that Jesus will bring – peace, love, hope, justice, and liberation for all people. Now that’s something to celebrate!

This Week:   Isaiah 11:1-10


The prophet shares a hope-filled vision with us – a vision of harmony and understanding – and presents an unlikely subject for leading us toward this vision – “a little child.” Even more unlikely, Isaiah explains that animals who are enemies will lie down together. They will reconcile and be adversaries no more. These verses seem unbelievable, but longing for their fulfillment is the stuff of hope. Isaiah’s vision pushes us to re-think the way we understand power dynamics today and show us that no matter what, peace inside ourselves and in the world is possible. 

This week reach out with a note or phone call to someone with whom you often clash.

Family activity (can be adapted to families of all ages)


    • Who preaches messages of peace, hope, harmony among all people today?
    • How might you set aside time this Advent to prepare for Jesus’ arrival into the world and into your own life? 
    • With the birth of our Savior, what do you think you need to be saved from? What are you being saved for?


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