“Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” ~~~ Mark 13:33 (NRSV)

 Jesus repeatedly admonished his followers to remain alert, to stay vigilant, and to keep awake.  But we don’t need to spend our lives looking up at the sky watching for Jesus to come back.  That’s how the disciples stood after Jesus ascended to heaven, and the angels said to them, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven?  This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”  We don’t need to worry about when Jesus will come back.  No amount of watchfulness will bring him back any quicker.  What then is our watchfulness for?

Firstly we are to watch for opportunities to be a witness to the world around us. Ephesians 5:15-16 reads, “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.”  And Colossians 4:5-6 states, “Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.”

Secondly we are to watch for opportunities to meet the needs of others.  Titus 3:1 reminds us to, “Be ready for every good work.”  And Galatians 6:10 encourages us, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all.”

Our watchfulness is not to be passive, but active.  We are to remain alert to how our witness appears to others.  We are to stay vigilant to meet the needs of those around us. We are to keep awake to do God’s will until the return of our Lord.

Prayer for Advent Peace (based on Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.): As I pray, I will let go of one fear or anxiety I have and place it in Emmanuel’s care.  Amen.

 Gabe H., Aptos United Methodist Church

 

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” ~~~ Isaiah 40:31

Hanging On To The Past

It is fun to reminisce about the past. We can fantasize about how things used to be (forgetting the problems) and wonder why things can’t be like that now.

This picture is a castle in Wales that belonged to one if my ancestors. It was destroyed after my ancestor killed the King (not a wise thing to do!).

I can think about what it would be like if we still owned a Welsh Castle. It’s located in a beautiful countryside and I can spend hours thinking about “what if…”. In reality those visions can interfere with the gifts of the present. God meets us in the now and invites us to live this day in God’s Presence.

The anticipation of Jesus’ birth reminds us to let go of the past, the joys and problems, and by the Grace of God grab hold of today and eagerly face the future that God is opening for us.

Prayer for Advent Peace (based on Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.): In my praying this day, I will think about the Messengers of Light in my life and write a note of gratitude to one of them. Amen.

Clyde V., Boulder Creek United Methodist Church

 

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” ~~~ Isaiah 41:13

The most difficult thing about this pandemic is having to stay away from the people I love the most. My grandmother is and continues to be a huge part of my life even though I have not physically seen her in the past six months. I miss her hugs and kisses so much. However, with her being in the vulnerable category I cannot put her health at risk. I am thankful to God that she is healthy and that I can call her up any time I want. Hearing her loving voice makes me happy and for that moment it’s as if I can feel her embrace me. I know it’s God’s way of saying “Do not fear; I will help you.” And indeed he has.

Please stay safe. Be thankful. And don’t forget to count your blessings!

Prayer for Advent Peace (based on Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.): I pray that I will seek the consoling embrace of Christ in the difficult parts of my life. Amen.

Hilda A., Watsonville First United Methodist Church

 

The First Christmas for Denise, age 9 months

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ~~~ Luke 2:12

The message of the angels to the startled shepherds was simple enough…”you shall find a child…”
All the possibilities of our full humanity are in each newborn infant…”the hopes and fears of all our years.”
And once we have found that baby, we must never stray from protecting, loving, nurturing, following…wherever the love of that child that may lead.

Prayer for Advent Peace (Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.): I pray that I will search my heart for peace, and dislodge the inner tyrants that reside in me, opening myself up fully to you, O God! Amen.

Darrell & Karen D. and all our children.
United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz