Simply Soul Searching

JOY RADIATES WITH THE RISING SUN: WATCHING WITH JOY

Scripture for the Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Psalm 126

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

John 1:6-8, 19-28

Our scriptures for this Third Sunday of Advent- the week of Joy- show us so many reasons we can be joyful! The first verses of Isaiah are the assuring ones Jesus read in the temple as a young man (Luke 4:21). Isaiah proclaims that we will ‘greatly rejoice’ in the Lord because the poor will receive good news, the captives will be released, the blind will see, and the oppressed will be free. Psalm 126 recalls that God has done great things, so ‘those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.’ 1 Thessalonians encourages us to ‘rejoice always’ as we give thanks in all circumstances. Finally, John 1 tells the story of John the Baptist, who came to testify to the light that was coming- giving the people another reason for joy!

God’s joy given to us in Christ is our focus for this week. Let’s be mindful, let’s be watchful for the joy that is ever present for us, no matter our circumstances. Psalm 16:11 is a good verse to remember this week. “In your presence there is fullness of joy” (NRSV). Always.

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”   ~ Russel M. Nelson

ADVENT WREATH/CANDLES

Turn off the lights and sit in the darkness for a few minutes…

Think back on some of your more memorable and joyous moments in your life. Was it a person, event, or place that brought you joy? Take a few minutes to thank God for these people and these experiences… Have you ever felt the surprising joy that inexplicably bubbles up during a difficult or sad time? Sit in wonder and gratitude for our God whose presence blesses us with joy in all circumstances. Is joy hard to find these days? Ask God to fill your heart as only God can do.

Light the first candle of hope, the second candle of love, and now the joy candle (often times the joy candle is pink, as a symbol of joy).

Our family spent a wonderful week at the Outer Banks a few summers ago. We made a point to awaken early so we could watch the sunrise on the ocean. These moments will be treasured always; the memories of all of us watching with quiet wonder as the first glimpse of the sun peeked over the horizon. Sunrises are “shining examples” of this amazing world- and our awe for the One who created it.

When I remember these mornings, I find that I treasure our waiting time even more than the first cresting of the sun. Coffees in hand, still wearing pajamas, we sat quietly together in sacred anticipation of the new day. We eagerly watched and waited, fully knowing that the sun would rise. We began our day in gratitude and joy for the fresh start, the clean slate, the opportunity for good, the potential for discovery. And oh, the celebration when the Dawn appeared!

This Advent, we are watching and waiting. But we wait with joy in the assurance that the Dawn has come before, and the promise that the Dawn will come again! We can anticipate with holy joy, for we know that in God’s presence, we will have joy, no matter how the day unfolds. We joyfully recognize that God has brought us through another dark night. And with every tomorrow, we will have yet another new, fresh beginning.

God who brings us the Dawn of Light,

As we watch and wait for your Dawn, thank you for the joy of a fresh beginning for every day and every moment. Work in us during this time of waiting, to transform us into joy-filled disciples. Help us to be aware of the joy we find in your presence, and to share your joy with others. Amen.

WEEK TWO: LOVE AS DAWN DRAWS NEAR

The Glow of the Porch Light

Hebrews 13:2 (NRSV)

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

When we walked into St. John for the first time, Jim and I had just moved from Toledo, so we had no familiar faces to seek out. In addition, Jim had served as a pastor for over twenty years and I had been a youth and education director. This time we had no leadership roles to give us a sense of purpose or to foster friendships. We learned that morning just how important hospitality is.

Thank you, people of St. John, for welcoming us that morning. Your hospitality was graciously shared by friendly greeters and ushers, easy-to-follow bulletins, song words on screens, Welcome Center helpers, a cheerful and comfortable worship space, a welcoming video, uplifting music (and people who lead with joy), Pastor Michael’s warmth and humility, and folks who shared blessings before praying together. We knew we had found our new church home.

But we were blessed even more by what happened after that day. Michael R. invited us to join a Tables of 8 group. Other individuals invited us to check out a Bible study or join the choir. We were asked to dinner by a few couples. Pastor Michael and Candy took time to get to know us. People personally included us to be one with them, to join them in this Body of Christ. THIS is hospitality!

Now that Jim and I are so happy to visit with our new friends on Sunday mornings, we may be neglectful of someone who might be feeling like we once were- a stranger who needs a friend, a person who wants to be included. It is a gift to be in community, but may we all be mindful of keeping our “porch light on” to watch for the new strangers coming to us, who also want to belong to this Body of Christ. Maybe the next ones will be angels!

God’s love glows in our hospitality.

WEEK TWO: LOVE AS DAWN DRAWS NEAR

The Glow of Moonlight

Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 

My spunky grandson Aidan is humorous and good natured. Not many things get him down, but when life isn’t going as well as he would like, or when people don’t treat him kindly, he begins singing, “Hello darkness my old friend…” We all find this cute and funny, but he does have a point. When life or people seem to be against us, we do feel as if darkness is our only companion. We feel alone and misunderstood. These are the times when a kind, warm-hearted friend is needed!

This week as we consider how we might share the glow of God’s love, the moon has much to teach us. During the dark of night, the moon’s soft glow lights our way without the heat of the midday sun. We know that the moon is not creating its own light but merely reflecting the sunlight. The moon is sharing the light of the sun, and will disappear from view if the sunlight is blocked from it.

When we brighten someone’s darkness with love, we are reflecting the light from Jesus, the Light of the world. We are not the light; we only reflect the light. We know our love would be nothing without the light of Christ. Our good works are meant for helping others and bringing God glory. With the light of Christ, we can be a soft and gentle reflection of light, a tender reminder of the love God has for us all.

God’s love glows when we reflect the light of Christ.

WEEK TWO: LOVE AS DAWN DRAWS NEAR

The Glow of a Theater Spot

Philippians 2:3-4 (NRSV)

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

I relished my song leader role during Vacation Bible School a few years ago. I loved to teach the children the songs and lead them in dance movements. Truth be told, I was delighted to be in front of a crowd to lead and inspire. But as the mornings passed, a few children asked to come up to lead the songs, too. By the end of the week, almost every child was up front, singing, dancing, and having fun. No one seemed to care that there was no one left to lead. We were ALL in the limelight!

What makes being the center of attention so enjoyable? When I was a song leader, I enjoyed being up front, entertaining and teaching. I felt important and needed. Marianne Williamson said, “Our deepest need is to be seen.” When we are seen, we know that we matter to someone, that someone acknowledges us; that someone has paused long enough to look our way and notice us.

There are times when we are called to be shining lights for God’s glory. The world needs good and godly leaders for people to watch and follow. But today we are reminded that we are to humbly put others before our own needs, too. How might we help someone feel valued; how might we give someone time “in the spotlight” of our attention? How might you bless a stranger today, with a word and a smile of acknowledgment? Is there someone who may not even need a spotlight, but simply needs to be seen… by you?

God’s love glows when focus on others and help them to shine.

WEEK TWO: LOVE AS DAWN DRAWS NEAR

The Glow of a Campfire

Psalm 9:1 (NRSV)

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

When I served as a youth director, I really enjoyed taking our students on summer camping trips. The weeks were great opportunities to truly get to know one another and learn to live together as a family of God. We would enjoy all of the activities that camping provides- swimming, rafting, volleyball, board games and learning sessions. At the end of our busy days we all looked forward to our campfire time. The group always began with the usual rowdiness as we made s’mores, sang, teased and laughed as the evening fell. But when quiet hours began, we would hush our voices, calm our souls, look at the stars, and become reflective.

This is when the story telling would begin. In sharing the stories of our lives- times of learning, times of fear, times of success, times of failure, times when God felt near and times when God felt far away- all who heard the stories could relate them to their own lives. These stories were precious and true, often inspirational and full of wisdom. In every story, God’s love was made known and shared with all who were gathered to hear.

God’s love is found in countless stories, and God’s love is revealed in our stories, too. We may not know all of the Bible stories or main characters. But we have stories of God’s work and love in our own lives. As we share our experiences of God’s love with others, we may help someone’s faith grow. We also find our own faith grows as we revisit these experiences in the telling of them.

God’s love glows while sharing our own stories of God’s love in our lives.

WEEK TWO: LOVE AS DAWN DRAWS NEAR

The Glow of a Fireplace

John 13:35 (NRSV)

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

A Danish practice called “Hygge” (pronounced hoo-gha) is becoming popular here and around the world. The word, “Hygge” comes from the Norwegian word meaning “well-being”. Hygge promotes togetherness, coziness and warmth during the long and dark winters. The practice encourages us to make our homes into retreat spaces during the short winter days, with such comforts as blankets, candles, books, mugs of cocoa, board games, and gathering with others.

A fireplace is a perfect setting for Hygge. As we gather near the fire for warmth, we also share the warmth of conversation, laughter, snuggling together, reflection and quiet. We feel the warmth of love shared among friends and family as we settle around the fire. It’s as if the crackling glow of the fireplace invites us to slow down, to build relationships, to reflect on life, and to enjoy the time with those we love.

Our best witness of God’s love is to BE love ourselves. When we genuinely love one another, we are sharing God’s love. Even when we aren’t gathered around the fireplace, we can be warm, friendly, hospitable, and kind. We can pause to listen and be present to others. When God’s love glows through us, people will feel as if they are in the presence of a warm, safe and inviting space to relax and retreat. What a wonderful way for them to experience the sheltering refuge of God’s love. Who might need to experience that love today?

God’s love glows through our loving relationships.

LOVE GLOWS AS DAWN DRAWS NEAR: WELCOMING WITH LOVE

 Scripture for the Second Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 40:1-11

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

2 Peter 3:8-15a

Mark 1:1-8

Our scripture readings for this Sunday speak of the promise and the assurance of God’s love. Isaiah assures the people of Jerusalem that God will comfort them, will raise every valley, and will be their caring shepherd. Our Psalm tells of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, righteousness and peace; all that is good. 2 Peter reminds us that God is ever patient with us, wanting everyone to experience God’s salvation. Mark 1 shares the words of John the Baptist, who promises that God will send the Holy Spirit as our comfort and guide. All of these verses describe the many facets of God’s love- love coming to us as comfort, justice, tenderness, faithfulness, righteousness, peace, patience, and guidance.

God’s love is our theme for this week as we watch for the Dawn of Light. These Bible verses were written for people who were in darkness. Times were difficult. The people were broken and hurting. They needed to know that the Light of love was coming. They needed to know they were loved. The same holds true for us today. We all need God’s love in these often imperfect times, for our imperfect selves.

“I rise to taste the dawn, and find that love alone will shine today.”  ~ Ken Wilber

ADVENT WREATH/CANDLES

Turn off the lights and sit in darkness for a few minutes…

~In what ways do you feel unlovable? What imperfections do you see in yourself? Were there times this week when you have been unkind, impatient, selfish, judgmental, stubborn, or unforgiving? In what areas of your life do you need God’s merciful, forgiving love?

~In what ways do you feel unloved? Have you been disappointed by certain events in your life; have you been hurt by certain people in your life? Are there wounds from your past that you need God to soothe and mend? In what areas of your life do you need God’s tender, healing love?

Bring these before God and ask God to replace your brokenness with the love in Christ that only God can give.

Light the first candle of Hope and the second candle of Love.

As we were waiting for the sunrise one morning, the sky gradually brightened and turned lovely hues of gold, orange and rose; signs that the sun would soon appear. With this beauty before us, our friend Kurt suggested that we also turn to look behind us. We observed how the light from the early morning cast beauty everywhere. The countryside was covered with a soft, rosy glow. The shadows were softer, the colors were subtle and gentle, and the earth seemed more peaceful. It was as if the tender love of God was covering the entire world.

At the edge of our brokenness and darkness, God meets us with the soft glow of love, promising us that the Dawn is near. We can look ahead to the faint light on the horizon of a new day, and be assured of God’s loving promise for a brighter future. We can look behind us and discover that the coming Dawn is already healing what has been, too. The glow of God’s love ushers in a new day, giving us a new fresh start. The glow of God’s love also gently covers and softens what is behind us, making even the shadows of our past become beautiful.

God who brings us the Dawn of Light,

As we watch and wait for the Dawn, we welcome the glow of your love that brightens today and blesses yesterday. Thank you for showing us how abundantly we are loved, by giving us your Son, Jesus, as the Dawn of Light. This week, guide us to live as your tender and merciful love in the world. Amen

WEEK ONE: HOPE IN THE DARKNESS

The Glimmer of Starlight

Psalm 19:1 (NRSV)

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

The last time we visited Jim’s boyhood home in Little Mountain, we stood outside and gazed at the stars. In the country, away from street lights and porch lights, we were able to see so many stars- and even a ‘shooting star’ meteor race across the sky! Isn’t the universe so wondrous, infinite and amazing? We are unable to comprehend it all!  These starry nights lead me to feel very small and insignificant. God’s creation is huge- and I am humbled.

In these moments, I marvel that God loves even me. God loves this one person in this one place on this one earth in this one universe in the infinity of universes we call “space.” The thought makes me consider my problems as quite unimportant! Yet, God loves me and even cares about my smallest concern. THAT is infinite love.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” When our life is darkened by despair or anxiety, when we are humbled by our brokenness, God’s awesome, infinite love and power can be more clearly seen. God has created this wondrous universe. Surely God can help us with our needs.

Hope shines in God’s magnificence and majesty.

WEEK ONE: HOPE IN THE DARKNESS

The Glimmer of a Nightlight

Psalm 27:1 (NRSV)

The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?

Night lights can be such a gift for parents of children! These tiny lights seem to keep those ‘monsters’ away. Night lights enable children to see their surroundings better while making the shadows less dark and threatening. The soft glow of a night light provides enough light for children to see, but usually not enough to disturb their sleep. Another comforting benefit is that children are assured that they can be seen by those who are watching over them. They know they are being protected by loving guardians who will look in on them throughout the night.

We can all be assured that God is watching over us. With or without a night light, we know that we are seen and loved. All night long. Through every darkness, God still sees us, comforts us, holds us, and helps us. We can rest more easily, knowing that, no matter what, God is the stronghold of our lives, and there is no need to be afraid.

Today we have hope because God’s love shines on us to brighten our deepest darkness. We have hope in knowing that we are always seen by our God who cares for us more than we can comprehend or imagine. We have hope because we can sleep peacefully through the darkest night under God’s watchful gaze.

Hope shines under God’s watchful, loving gaze.

WEEK ONE: HOPE IN THE DARKNESS

The Gleam of a Lighthouse Beacon

Isaiah 43:1-2 (NRSV)

But now thus says the Lord…
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you…

Daily living can be much like navigating boats upon the sea. When our days are going smoothly, we feel we can take on the world. The conditions are perfect- sunny skies, light breezes, calm waters- and we become eager to sail out and enjoy the views. (How often do we mistakenly believe that our smooth sailing has come from our skill and expertise, when in reality we have been enabled by perfect conditions?) Sometimes we may venture too far. We float or sail or motor away in our boats of self-sufficiency into unknown deeper waters.  We become SO courageous and confident in ourselves, we forget our frailty, and eventually we are in “over our heads.” Darkness sets in, and we find ourselves caught in a fog of failure, a storm of stress, or a tempest of trials. 

Like the lighthouse on the stormy seas, God keeps shining through the darkness, guiding us, leading us home. Like the lighthouse, God remains steadfast and certain, while we recklessly venture into those deep and dark waters. Like the lighthouse, God beckons us back, calling each of us by name until we are safely home. We only need to keep facing the Light. Keep heading toward the Light. Keep following the Light and we will all be led safely back to shore. This is where we find our hope today.

Hope shines because of God’s steadfast faithfulness.