The Whole Earth is Waiting

A Word from Pastor David:  The Whole Earth Is Waiting.

Dear Friends in Christ,

As the days shorten and the holiday lights begin to sparkle, we find ourselves in the threshold of December—the sacred season of Advent. It is a time of quiet anticipation, a deliberate pause to prepare our hearts for the dual arrival of Christ: the joyous celebration of His birth two thousand years ago, and the ultimate expectation of His return in glory. This month, our journey through Advent is guided by the theme, "The whole earth is waiting," and we will explore the power of Signs that point us to the eternal truth.

Week 1: Hope - Signs and Times, (Matthew 24:36–44)
The first week of Advent traditionally kindles the candle of Hope. Yet, the Gospel lesson presents us with a striking image: Jesus speaking about a future when "no one knows the day or hour" is meant to ignite a vibrant, active hope. The sign we look for this week is not a calendar date, but a state of readiness.
"Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:44)
The Hope, in Advent, is the conviction that God is at work now, and that the King is surely coming. Let us live this week in purposeful alertness, confident in the promise.

Week 2: Peace - Signs and Stories, (Matthew 3:1–12)
The second candle brings the call to Peace, yet we encounter the fiery, demanding voice of John the Baptist. John is a powerful sign, a living story of prophecy fulfilled, who cries out, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
The peace of Advent is not mere tranquility; it is the courage to change. This week, we listen closely to the story of John, and we commit to bearing "fruit worthy of repentance," making room for the Prince of Peace to truly dwell.

Week 3: Joy - Signs and Truths, (Matthew 11:2–11)
Midway through Advent, we light the candle of Joy. Yet, we find John the Baptist, now in prison, sending a question that betrays doubt: "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"
Jesus responds by pointing to His works: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the poor have good news proclaimed to them. These are the signs and truths of His identity! True Advent joy is a deep, unshakeable conviction rooted in the truth of who Jesus is and what He is doing in the world. Let us find our joy this week in the reliable truth of Christ's compassion and power.

Week 4: Love - Signs and Faithfulness, (Matthew 1:18–25)
The final week of Advent centers on Love. The sign given this week is one of quiet, profound faithfulness, told through the story of Joseph. Faced with a devastating and confusing situation, Joseph is a model of one who listens to God's direction, and responds in absolute obedience and love.
"When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him..." (Matthew 1:24)
The great sign of love is not just the Virgin Birth, but the willingness of God’s people—like Joseph and Mary—to partner with God in His incredible plan, and preparing the way in our hearts for the ultimate sign of divine love to appear.

Christmas: Signs and Glory, (Luke 2:1–20)
The journey culminates in the glorious night of Christmas. All the signs—the prophecy, the repentance, the mighty works, the obedience—find their perfect expression in the manger. The angel declares to the shepherds:
"This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:12)
A vulnerable, humble baby is the ultimate sign of Glory. God’s glory is not revealed in thunder and fire, but in the vulnerable, miraculous act of becoming one of us. The waiting is over. The earth is no longer just waiting; it is rejoicing!

May your Christmas be filled with the joy of seeing God’s glory in the simple, loving signs all around you.

Blessings and Merry Christmas,
Pastor's David

Pastor David - 954-675-9931

Church Office - 863-665-1344