December 16, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for December 16th: Zephaniah 3:14-26; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18; Theme: Third Sunday of Advent Luke: John speaks more about repentance and baptism. John makes a cry in the wilderness, but he is surprised when the people of the community start to come and to ask what should we do. The masses seem to realize that life has to change, and that they have to do something different. This gives John a chance to tell them that we have to care about other people. We have to treat one another differently. John then tells people to wait for something better. We can prepare for salvation, but we cannot give salvation. It takes God’s presence to do that. John says that something better is coming, but we have to prepare our hearts for it. Today, even though we know Christ’s presence, we still ask what must we do this year to be saved? Who is it that we are supposed to be helping, what are the ways that we need to repent to get ready for the gifts of God. Preparing for Christmas is not just about getting the house ready, it is also about getting our hearts ready. It has been a long year, how to we put the year aside and get ready for a new day? Isaiah: The world is full of uncertainty. If you look at the headlines, that is easy to see. There are things going on in all parts of the world, that effect us, but we can do nothing about. The names change year after year, but it seems that the situation does not. It is easy for us to see that this world needs God to step in and change things. Our world is not much different then the world that Isaiah was writing to 5000 years ago. Isaiah sings a song – telling us to trust in God in the midst of the world’s uncertainty. He sings a second song thanking God for faithfulness. Isaiah encourages us to sing, when we are worried. We can listen to the news, but we don’t have to put our trust in the newscast. No matter what problems are affecting us, we can still pray, worship and praise God. That is why we go to church, that is why Christmas is such a special time. God is our light in a dark world. Questions: What does repentance mean in your life? How do you trust in God in uncertainty?