We have been reminded of the gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love this Advent season.  Not just words, but so much more when used alongside the Word made flesh, Christ Jesus our Lord.  We have learned to hold fast to hope even in the midst of challenges and change, knowing that things can be different if we are willing to ask God to show up.  Peace is something that comes only through Christ himself.  When we acknowledge that we cannot achieve anything on our own and are totally dependent on God, that is what brings us true peace.  Joy is something that ebbs and flows throughout our lives, and is intertwined with God’s justice and peace.  When we are able to grasp the amazing future that God has planned, we find ourselves encouraged and transformed by expectant joy.  Our fourth Sunday is focused on Love. A love that knows no limits, no boundaries, and has no requirements. Love so enormous that God would send Jesus into our world to be with us.

As the season of Advent brings forth it’s purpose of leading us to Christmas, I hope that you will take time to reflect on these gifts and what they mean for your life.  Let them lead you to the child in the manger, the one who magnifies love, resounds joy, brings peace, and provides hope for all of humanity.  This light is for all the world to see, feel, and love.  These words are the story of Christmas, the story of our faith, and the story of our future told through the birth story of a child called Emmanuel, God with us. 

May the light of Christ Jesus fill you with hope, peace, joy, and love this Christmas and always. And may you use that light to share these gifts with all you meet.  

 

Peace in Christ Jesus,

Pastor Karla

 

 

 

 

 

                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessings,

 Pastor Karla