2 Samuel: 7: 1-16
The Old Testament tells us the story of King David, a man who had grown very successful and wanted to show God that he was grateful for
all he had been given. At the time of this story, the ark of God was kept in a tent, it traveled wherever David went. This story tells us that David thought that he would please God by building a house for the ark.
God spoke through the prophet Nathan, "I have been with you wherever you have gone,"
God said, “I Myself took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader over My people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have eliminated all your enemies from you; I will also make a great name for you, like the names of the great men who are on the earth. And I will establish a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place..."
We learn from this story that God is our leader and will make plans for us. Building a house for God was a way for David to honor himself with a building for others to see. God's message reminded David that he was never alone in all of the difficult times and wherever he went, God was with him. God makes plans for us and we must trust in him with all of our heart.
Pastor Sarah shared her plans for the Christmas season and how quickly Christmas arrives. Most of the time she, like most of us, plan to decorate, bake cookies, wrap gifts, send cards, listen to music, and all of the many other wonderful Christmas activities that we have on our list. And, like most of us, we run out of time and "ready or not," Christmas arrives.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, especially at First Church. The outside of the building is beautifully decorated. The Sanctuary makes us feel at peace with the many poinsettias, wreaths and candles. The music fills the air and we look forward to hearing our favorite carols. The children are so adorable in their costumes. It is a time where we await the birth of a baby boy who saved the world. Every year seems like the first.
As we make plans for Christmas this year, we should remember King David and God's reminder that we are not in charge. More than ever, this year has taught us that we are not always prepared for change in our daily lives. We are worshipping in new ways, never expected by any of us. This year, we need to pray harder than ever for God to show us his plan.
Come on Christmas Eve, light a candle, say a prayer and fall in love with God.
This Blessing is a gift from Pastor Sarah:
"We dream of music that makes our hearts swell
We dream of trees swaying in the breeze
We dream of sunrises that wrap us in light
We dream of a family dinner with people who love us
We dream of church services that gives us hope
We dream of potlucks and pancake breakfasts cooked by scouts
So today, as we draw near to Christmas Day
We let the lights of love remind us that we are never alone
That God is here and God is love
He lets the light of love guide us towards those who love us-
not for who we are and what we can do for them.
We let the light of love warm our hearts and open them to people who have no one else
And we let the light of love turn us to an Advent people.
A people who dream.
