December 15, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for December 15th: Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 1:47-55, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11; Theme: Third Sunday of Advent James: Advent is about learning to wait. It is about learning to get away from this instantaneous culture and realizing that the best things in life are worth waiting for. James encouraged the church to learn patience in an impatient world centuries ago. The book of James is a strong message against exploitation that is so prevalent in our culture. We are called as Christians to be different . Christmas can bring out the worst in us – it is so easy to get caught in so many bad habits. Advent is designed to bring out the best in us. It is intended for us to get in touch with the point of the season – to depend on God for all things as we prepare for the coming of his Son into our world and into our life! Matthew: We hear about the ministry of John from Jesus’ perspective. Unfortunately, John never got to see the fruition of Jesus ministry – he was executed very early on. But he was the for runner, who prepared the hearts of many to be prepared to receive the messiah. Jesus does speak of those people who did witness his ministry – the blind, the crippled, the sick. Jesus brings up John to prepare many others for the healing of the messiah including us: the modern generation. Jesus is grateful for all that John did for him, he was even baptized himself by John. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Jesus appreciated all that we do in our ministry the way he appreciated John? Questions: How good are you at waiting? What are you preparing for this advent? How are you telling others about the messiah coming? Who are the people who could use a savior in this modern age?