God Finds Us

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-17

How does that make you feel to hear God has already FOUND YOU?  

Luke 2:1-6 and 2 Peter 3:8-15a

In Luke, Mary and Joseph are in the waiting game.  Wait to go to Bethlehem.  Wait on a donkey.  Wait to find a place to stay.  Wait in a stinky stable.  Wait for Baby Jesus to be born.  Endless waiting. 

This past Sunday, I led our students in a spiritual practice called Lectio Divina (latin for Divine Reading).  A Biblical passage is read 3 times, with time to reflect between each reading.  After reading the story of Zechariah being struck mute after the news of his wife's miraculous pregnancy (Luke 1:5-24), my eyes wandered down the page.  I was using a Student Study Bible where highlighted at the bottom of the page was a short reflection titled, "Elizabeth and Zechariah: End of an Era".

Luke 1:18-25

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

Genesis 3:1-7

 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals God made.  He said the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"  

The First Sunday of Advent (November 27) marks the beginning of a new year in our church. It is a time when we yearn for the gift that God promises the world through the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ.  When gathered for worship, we lean forward, anticipating the fulfillment of the promise of new life.  Through our songs and prayers, we confidently proclaim the present reality of all things new in Jesus Christ!

During the Advent season, we so often refer to “waiting,” waiting for the birth of the Christ child, waiting for the second coming of Christ.  And at first glance, waiting implies a passive posture.  You wait for the bus.  It’s not there yet, so you sit and wait.  Waiting rooms are lined with chairs as clients remain seated until their name is called. 

Just yesterday was Bethlehem's annual Lutefisk Dinner.  It's an event currently hosted by our students raising money for their summer mission trip.  But this dinner stretches farther back in the history of this church, and many hands have played a role in its strong tradition.

How has your heart been moved? 

Just last week, I cozied up to a book at Riverview Wine Bar.  I was there alone, and although engrossed in the words on a page, I couldn't help but notice the chatter around me and the different people gathered together to enjoy good food and connecting conversation  About an hour into my book reading,  I noticed an exchange I won't soon forget.  All the tables were full and most of the bar spaces save for 3 places near a far end, squished against a wall and cold window.  In walked an older couple and with them a younger woman, a daughter perhaps.  A few feet from the door, a 60 year old, single man occupied a four person table.  Noting the age of the new arrivals and the limited space, he stood up and approached the diners, offering his table to move to the less comfortable spot at the edge of the bar.  Though the new guest declined his offer, I was moved by his generosity and willingness to give up his own comfort for the comfort of others. 

Apologies to all for the lack of updates from the second mission trip group. Full days and internet connectivity issues have prevented our updates from getting up, but let’s fill you in on all the fun we’ve been having!

After leaving Indianapolis, we met up with the first mission group in Beckley, WV and stayed at St. Luke's Lutheran Church. We settled in for the night, after the long day of driving, to rest up for our rafting adventures the next day.