Advent is a time of expectation and hope. It’s a holy season to anticipate a brighter future, with endless possibilities. This is why I firmly believe that the church of Jesus Christ is in the “hope business.” We seek to offer a word of hope in the midst of a world consumed with chaos and confusion. The church has a high-calling to proclaim boldly the words of the prophet, Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord!”

Have you ever reflected on the responsibility that comes with this declaration? The people of Israel had waited for hundreds of years for a Messiah, who would save them from their turmoil and suffering. Even though the people of Israel, as a whole, did not always obey God and remain hopeful, as they should, there remained among them a faithful group of people who were able to keep hope alive. Isaiah stands in the midst of a community that has lost hope and given-up in despair, but yet, he proclaims with boldness that the time was coming in which God would save his people.

We stand in this tradition of proclaiming a brighter future for our community. The commercialization of the holiday season has fooled us into thinking that all is bright and joyful, but in reality, people are suffering and hurting all around us. People are giving up on being hopeful every day. During this season, we should ask ourselves: What am I doing to be a “hope-bearer?” What am I doing to proclaim that God has promised to never leave us, nor forsake us? What am I doing to make the world a better place? The interesting thing about hope is that hope is contagious. If you share your hope for a better world with others, they too will catch this God-given vision.

Blessed to be your Pastor,

Pastor Cowser