Sermons on Advent
When Mary sings about the Love of God, she does not focus on what is big and impressive. Instead, she holds close those things that receive far less recognition. “Gather Us In” by Lisle Gwynn Garrity, A Sanctified Art LLC, SanctifiedArt.org.
God’s Peace continues to be at work, and we can choose to participate in It. “Berakah” by Hannah Garrity, A Sanctified Art LLC, SanctifiedArt.org.
We hope for this world to be better. We work for this world to be better. But, along the way, we realize: it does not all depend on us. “Awake to Wonder,” digital painting with collage by Lisle Gwynn Garrity, A Sanctified Art LLC, SanctifiedArt.org.
When the backdrop falls apart, or the light flickers on and off, when a truck veers off the road and there is no frankincense or myrrh, or even when someone tries to steal Jesus at Christmas, the Love of Christ comes to us.
Apparently, Joy is rather subversive. Joy is always working in the background — always trying to redeem the heartache and the hurt.
Christmas is never an escape. Christmas deals with reality.
Jesus always saw the possibility for change, knowing that Light does shine in all darkness.
Courage can feel like we are trying to light a wet match, but since love cannot wait, neither can courage!
God’s hope and peace are similar, so we can get them confused because they are both rooted in the love of God! Hope, though, is our motivation; peace is our goal!
Advent is a season that slows us down so we can get our bearings, thinking through everything we do with greater care.