Hear the Good News
Read: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126, Luke 1:46b-55, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28
This is the third week of Advent, the third week of the new Liturgical year. As we read the various texts for this week we can see a theme emerging of “Good News” ! “Good News” for the oppressed, the hope of returning home has been realized, the Messiah has arrived and that we are now all “sound and blameless” by his coming.
We, those that know the “Good News” may use this Advent time for renewal. But what about those that don’t know the “Good News”? Those that are oppressed by injustice, poverty, addictions or circumstances of life not of their own doing. This Advent is a time for us to hear their cry to let us bring the “Good News” to them by letting their voices be heard. Help them break the chains of; injustice, addiction, poverty and oppression. Not just during Advent but throughout the year.
How do we do this at Johnson Memorial? We support our Backpack Ministry, Common Grounds, Jim Ray Fund. The Cridlin Food Pantry, City Mission, Ebenezer Community Outreach, Habitat for Humanity, and Lily’s Place, to name a few. And I am sure that many in our congregation also support other programs in our area. All of theses to show the “Good News” that will help break those chains.
So during this Advent season let us not focus on the usual expressions of Christmas but focus on bringing the “Good News” to those that do not know it. Think how can I bring the “Good News”? Just as Jesus brought “Gods reign coming among us”.
Pray;
Father thank you for all the Prophets of old, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ that brought the “Good News” to all. Lead me now during this Advent time and throughout he coming year to to bring the “Good News” to all. Amen.
This as been inspired by http://www.gbod.org/resources/planning-for-advent-year-b-2014-2017
Fred Herr
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