Redeemer Lutheran and St. Theodore’s

By Lisa Rotchford

Reverend

December is the church’s season of Advent: the season of waiting for a special person or occasion to come. The Advent of this year, more than ever, finds us waiting for quarantine to be over and a vaccine to be delivered.

While we wait, we can embrace the Old Testament’s messages on waiting: “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:25-26).

Following the Scriptures and lighting Advent colored candles, we wait quietly in hope; seek peace; express joy and share the love of the season.

HOPE - Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31) PEACE- God blessed us with peace through his son, “so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).

JOY - “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you” (Psalm 5:11).

LOVE -“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment” (Matthew 22:36-40).

Each of these traits — hope, peace, joy and love — are associated with the four Sundays of Advent Nov. 29- Dec. 20 and the large Christ candle is lit on the 25th.

May Advent be Holy Spiritfilled and may Christmas find the light of Christ beaming into all of our lives. By the love given to us by God, the prophet Isaiah reminds us, “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”