December 3, 2006 – The First Sunday of Advent
“I wonder as I wander, out under the sky…”
These words from the American Christmas folk song seem to describe our lives too often. There are so many things to wonder about, so much we hope for but fear will not be possible to us. We seem to be out under the sky without the shelter we would like to have, and finally we are dependent on God’s grace to get by.
As we begin Advent this year, I would invite you on a journey from wondering and wandering to wonder at God’s love. Advent is a season of expectation and waiting, when the church looks forward to God entering the world with saving grace and changing the course of the world. We use the time to get ready for Christmas, the birth of Jesus who we call the Messiah, the Savior. In this light, I invite you to join me in a time of seeking to discern God’s desire for our church and our lives individually. This is no easy task, for we all have ideas of what we would do if we were god! We must put aside our own plans and hopes as we seek the Lord’s guidance for the church in the months and years to come. That future may not look anything like what we imagine right now, and may challenge us to give up cherished notions. In the days and weeks to come, join me in wondering about what God would have happen through our faithful obedience. These daily devotions will have questions and prayers, to help us see what our place might be in God’s work for tomorrow. Prayer: O God, I want to be obedient, to follow Jesus into your Kingdom. I know that I am like those of Jesus’ day who thought Your Kingdom would be like any other worldly nation. Give us clear eyes to see Your plan, through it may differ from what we expect; and the courage to work with You to make Your plan come to pass. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Dr. John CliffordWHAT IS GOD’S PLAN FOR OUR CHURCH AND OURSELVES?