Isaiah 9:2-6 ² The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- on them light has shined. ³ You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. ⁴ For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. ⁵ For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. ⁶ For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

At the start of every council meeting, the council does a short 15 min devotional. Last week, our devotional focused on the words of the above pericope. While the brunt of the devotional (from the book Called by God to Serve, Reflections for Church Leaders) was about how leadership can be a burden, I found that these verse also point to something else in regards to our congregation.

Springs of Grace is a congregation that has walked in darkness. You have lived in a time of darkness. You have been through leadership changes, fights, love, and moves. And through all of this, you are still here. Going through these situations are not easy in our lives. What is easy is to leave the church, and to never worry about it again. But that is the easy way out. Instead, I give thanks that you are still here, because that means you are willing to heal and to be healed.

I have noticed that anytime this congregation gets together, whether at Sunday worship, the Advent dinner last Saturday night, or at my house yesterday afternoon, there is always laughter, there are always smiles, and there is always friendship. You are a congregation that is healing itself, working through the grief of the last 6 years. You are a congregation that is looking forward to what God will be doing in this place, rather than looking behind you at all that has happened. The history of this congregation is an important part of our story, but it is also a lesson in which we can learn.

The words of Isaiah above are filled with optimism and hope. As advent people, consider yourself within the congregation. Is there still darkness? Where does the light of Christ need to shine in your life, and in the life of this congregation? Where does our (and your) hope lie? These are places where the gospel of Christ needs to be proclaimed and lived out. Each of you are capable of spreading the Gospel. As I said in my sermon yesterday, let your light shine. And when you do, let it shine to the glory of God in heaven.

In our prayers this week: Buddy, Linwood, Alma. We also remember Marty Duck (father of Robert and Alice’s friend Bill), as well as Michael, Brenten, and Chris, who are all serving over seas.

God's Peace,

 Pastor Judson