Advent begins today. In worship, some beautiful friends lit the 1st candle of the Advent wreath, representing hope. There was also a baptism and the lovely child's name was Hope. How perfect is that?
Our Core Group (best buddies, small group, besties...) began our Advent study today. Chris and I are extremely blessed to have this Core Group...everyone needs this. Anyways...we talked about Isaiah 9 and what hope would look like for the completely hopeless. I think it would be like being in a completely dark tunnel, finding your way around a corner, and with a hard squint seeing a tiny spot of light. Like, at first you think it's your imagination or that it's too good to be true and you don't want to believe it because you're sure you will be disappointed. So you would blink and blink and stare and stretch your head out and open your eyes really wide... hoping. The first glimpse of hope. That is where we are in Advent. We all have this huge need for Christ as a savior.....to save us from whatever it is that haunts us. Christ is our HOPE! Christ IS the light. The light is there and it is for US! It's so cool....it really is. I know that Christ is with me all the time...but this season is perfect for really reflecting on my life. There is darkness in me....There has been more darkness in me this year than usual. The darkest parts are over and every day I am finding more joy. I have turned the corner and the light is getting brighter. I am experiencing hope when I previously didn't know it was there. The thought of traveling through Advent with my family, church, and Core Group is really exciting. I know that we will light another candle next Sunday and another on the next Sunday...and on we will go until we are standing in the Sanctuary on Christmas Eve singing Silent Night and lifting our light high in the air. Aaaah!!!!!~~~Can't you just feel it?? Christmas is coming!!!!! HOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 Comment
Jessica Devooght
12/2/2013 03:29:52 am
Rachel, I just thought I had to share this with you because I found it interesting. I always have said that when the Holy spirit touches me, it literally feels like goosebumps! And in reading your blog for the first time today, near the end, I felt goosebumps:) God is working in you Rachel:) Just wanted to share
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AuthorRachel E. Burns Archives
September 2017
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