Hungry for Hope
As I unlocked the church to lead a Bible study at Pine Valley United Methodist Church, I felt well aware that it was dark, and I was alone. As I walked past the gym, among all the darkness was a beautifully lit stage. It looked like a winter wonderland. I thought how appropriate that such beautiful light would shine in the darkness. I was also reminded that I was not alone. That Light changed my whole perspective. I thought about how appropriate this is for Advent. A time to remember the light and anticipate Light! Luke 1:37, “For no word from God will ever fail.” As Pastor Tim said, this is the verse that gets us through! We have hope of the Christ child and hope of Christ coming again!
Advent reminds us of the hope we have in a Savior. Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The second week focuses on preparation. God is still working in our hearts to prepare us for Jesus’ second coming! The third week we celebrate the coming of Jesus. The final week celebrates God’s peace and love.
Over 2000 years ago, God sent Jesus down to become a human being. John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
As Advent people, our anticipation does not stop in four weeks, but we continue to anticipate our Savior’s arrival. Our hope brings expectation, and we feel called to share that hope with others.
We saw this hope being shared as we celebrated the season of Advent with Madison and Cecil lighting our first candle. The candle of hope. They have been attending PVUMC for over a year and said it has been such a blessing to them. It is not only their church and place of worship but a place they call home. From day one, they felt like family because everyone was so welcoming. They love the chance for community involvement and are able to serve the Lord through giving back to the community.
This hope was shared again as we celebrated new members for the past two weeks. John and Malou Stokes joined after listening to Pastor Tim’s services last March. “When one was over, we could not wait for the next to start.” Murrie, Theresa, Elizabeth Lee joined along with Tabitha and her daughter Peyton. The Lee’s said they love how PVUMC is a spirit-filled church! They said, and I agree, “You always know you have been to church, and you feel like you’ve been to revival every Sunday.” They, too, feel at home at PVUMC and feel like they are part of a big family with the same mission of serving the Lord and connecting hearts to Christ and one another. Along with new members joining, Tabitha and Peyton were baptized. Tabitha said she had always wanted to be baptized, and Theresa asked her if she wanted to be baptized with her daughter. Peyton, 11 years old, loves the Impact and IGNITE Youth Ministries. She feels at home and can be herself. Peyton told me she was excited to be baptized so that the Holy Spirit could wash her clean of her sins. Amen and amen! As Pastor Tim said to Tabitha and Peyton, “...the Holy Spirit works within you, that having been born through water and the Spirit, you may live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.” As faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, we can share hope with others.
The only certain hope that we have is the hope in Jesus Christ. Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again! As children of God, we will spend all eternity in the presence of God. I like the way the song, “Christ The Solid Rock I Stand,” says it. “My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.” What a celebration we are having at PVUMC! I am thankful to belong to a church that shines the Light in our community and shares the hope of Jesus! “People are hungry for messages of hope and life. What are you broadcasting?”