Dear SCC & Friends,
The Word became flesh… ~John 1:14
Reflection #248
But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son born of a woman… ~Gal. 4:4 Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment , in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendor. ~C.H. Spurgeon~ Advent is a time of anticipation and hopeful expectation for that which is about to happen. The Advent season spans four Sundays before Christmas Day and is intended to be a time of preparation and devotion regarding Christ and His incarnation… a season of reflection, wonder and gratitude. …and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. ~John 1:14 The Lord is always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize Him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord. ~Henri Nouwen~
Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed in disguise, and is calling us to take part in his great campaign of sabotage. ~C.S. Lewis We are to be in the world but not of it… I recently returned from an overseas mission trip where people’s daily struggle and ongoing suffering were obvious. Yet, even more obvious was the depth of their joy and expressed victory in Christ… Their joy was not tethered to favorable circumstances, nor was their gratitude which was both palpable and infectious. Government authorities have outwardly controlled nearly all facets of their lives… but inwardly, they are controlled and led by none other than Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit… Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?… But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. ~Rom. 8:35,37 He is with us always… yesterday, today and forever… We were made for these days… Keep up the good work!
Advent blessings,
Kevin