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What The World Needs Now

The prophet Isaiah offered the world a promise for the people in preparation for the fulfillment of God’s salvation for a world mired in sin. Within the people of Judah and Israel, many were walking away from the promises of God and settling for the prescription of the world’s ruling classes. Instead of taking care of one another, they sought their gain by looking at how to manipulate the structures of society to benefit themselves at the expense of those who could not fend for themselves. Those broken down by the structures of government and society needed something to help them. The prophet promised to those listening for God’s response and help. This promise called on God’s followers to work to care for each other and to place their trust in the Almighty. The Almighty would upend the government and society and ensure everyone would hear the Good News of the coming salvation. Isaiah’s world needed to hear the following:

 6  For to us a child is born, 

to us a son is given; 

and the government shall be upon his shoulder, 

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

 7  Of the increase of his government and of peace 

there will be no end, 

on the throne of David and over his kingdom, 

to establish it and to uphold it 

with justice and with righteousness 

from this time forth and forevermore. 

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV

We need to hear Isaiah’s message just as much today. Our world needs the message of Good News, even as we have seen God’s glory manifested in the birth of Christ. However, the complete fulfillment of the Gospel has not yet come, but it is coming. Therefore, we need to look at the themes of Advent and reflect on each one as we grasp that they offer us an understanding of what the world needs right now.

HOPE

Countless individuals grapple with immense hardship and adversity in the world around us. Many cannot secure a living wage, sustain their families, or find affordable housing. Hospitals are filled with patients who are not only suffering physically but are also isolated and devoid of hope, a situation that is particularly poignant during the holiday season. The pervasive despair and hopelessness that grips so many necessitates a profound response. What the world needs now, more than anything else, is hope. True and lasting hope, however, cannot be found in material possessions, fleeting pleasures, or human endeavors. Hope can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ. He offers a hope that transcends the temporal and extends into eternity. His hope is not contingent upon favorable circumstances or fleeting emotions but is grounded in His unwavering love, unchanging promises, and ultimate victory over sin and death. This hope provides meaning and purpose amid suffering, comfort, and strength in times of despair and the assurance of a future filled with joy and peace. Jesus calls out to every one of us to be the manifestation of Hope for our world.

PEACE

The world is currently facing a crisis of suffering and displacement, with countless individuals affected by the horrors of war and violence. These conflicts have resulted in widespread destruction, leaving countless homes and communities in ruins. The pervasive sense of insecurity and fear that stems from such violence has left a lasting impact on the global community. In the face of this devastation, the urgent need for peace has never been more apparent. The teachings of Jesus Christ, often referred to as the Prince of Peace, emphasize the importance of peacemaking and reconciliation. As members of the Christian church, we are responsible for actively seeking solutions that promote peace and end all forms of violence. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ represents a pivotal moment in human history, as he bore the weight of the world’s violence and declared an end to its reign. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate his example by advocating for peace and justice in all aspects of our lives. Our commitment to peacemaking is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate reflecting our faith’s heart.

JOY

The need for joy has never been greater in a world that often feels burdened by sorrow and despair. Countless individuals are facing the somber reality of their first holiday season without the presence of a cherished loved one. The weight of grief may dampen their desire to smile, but it’s crucial to remember that joy transcends mere happiness. Joy is a divine gift, a profound sense of peace and contentment in the soul. Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies this enduring joy. As she brought forth the Son of God, she witnessed the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the dawning of a new era. Her joy was rooted in the unwavering promises of God, a source of hope that transcended the trials and tribulations of earthly existence. We, too, can find solace and strength in this divine joy. Through faith and trust in God, we can experience a profound transformation, a shift from brokenness to wholeness. True joy, the kind that withstands the storms of life, is not only attainable but also essential for our well-being and the healing of our world. In a world yearning for light, let us embrace the radiant joy that Mary embodied. Let us share this divine gift with hurting people, offering them a glimpse of hope and a reason to believe. By choosing joy, we become beacons of God’s love, illuminating the path toward a brighter, more compassionate future.

LOVE

In our moments of reflection, it becomes overwhelmingly clear that the antidote to the world’s ills lies in love. Our planet teems with individuals whom the Divine cherishes, and God’s love is a boundless force that encompasses all creation. As members of God’s church, we embody and radiate this love. Through the transformative power of divine love, we can rediscover the paths that lead to joy, inner peace, and unwavering hope. Understanding God’s love serves as a poignant reminder that it must take root deep within our hearts, allowing us to cast out all forms of hatred and animosity. The world’s most pressing need is not material wealth or fleeting pleasures but the enduring and unifying force of love. This love calls us to transcend our differences, embrace our shared humanity, and work tirelessly for a world where justice, compassion, and understanding reign supreme. It challenges us to be beacons of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness, to be agents of reconciliation in a world rife with division, and to be living embodiments of God’s love in a world that desperately yearns for its transformative touch.

CHRIST

The world desperately needs a Savior, and that Savior is Christ. He came to us on Christmas Eve, not as a mighty king or a conquering hero, but as a vulnerable baby born in a humble manger. This humility demonstrated the true nature of power, which lies not in force or domination but in self-sacrificial love and vulnerability. No government, no matter how well-intentioned or benevolent, can provide the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that only Christ can offer. These are not mere emotions or fleeting feelings but profound, abiding realities that flow from a relationship with the living God. The prophet Isaiah, centuries before the birth of Christ, urged the people of Israel to look to the coming Messiah, even before they fully understood the implications of His arrival. He spoke of a time when the government would rest on His shoulders, and His name would be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Christ has already come to earth, lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death, and risen again in victory; however, He has not yet returned to fully establish His kingdom and bring about the final redemption of all things. During this interim period, God calls us to be His ambassadors, spreading the good news of salvation to a world in desperate need. We are called to share the message of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that only Christ can offer. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to those who are lost and hurting and guiding them to the One who can truly save them. Although the world may seem dark and hopeless at times, the light of Christ still shines brightly. As we share that light with others, we bring hope to a world that desperately needs it. We have the opportunity to spread the news that Jesus Christ was born in a manger and that He is coming again. We live in a time and place where we have the power of Christ to move our hearts to bring hope, peace, joy, and love.

JRMITCH85 advent, Faith

A Fulfilling Love

Embracing God’s love as the foundation for our relationships and mission is like anchoring our lives in an unshakable truth. The divine source empowers us to extend love to others, mirroring the boundless love God has shown us. In the intricate tapestry of faith, Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan becomes a profound example of surrendering to divine will, illustrating that we can align our lives with God’s purpose through faith and trust.

The angelic message to Mary echoes through time, resonating with the overarching theme of divine intervention and the miraculous unfolding of God’s plan. It symbolizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in bringing forth something extraordinary from the ordinary, highlighting that God’s love is not bound by the limitations of the natural world. Mary’s acceptance becomes a beacon, urging us to embrace the unexpected with faith and humility.

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 He came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 

Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)

God’s call to manifest His love in the world is a grand invitation to participate in the redemption of humanity. The promise to mend the brokenness caused by sin underscores the magnitude of God’s love, which goes beyond forgiveness to restoring our relationship with Him. This divine mission is a testament to love’s profound impact on healing and reconciling a fractured world.

In our human journey, self-doubt often becomes a stumbling block, hindering us from fully realizing our purpose. Yet, the call to carry out God’s love is a powerful antidote to such doubts. It encourages us to transcend our insecurities, trusting that God’s love working through us is greater than any perceived inadequacy. This empowerment enables us to step boldly into our calling, knowing that God equips those He calls.

The timeless directive to love one another, even those with whom we may not see eye to eye, is a clarion call to transcend differences. This commandment invites us to extend God’s love unconditionally, recognizing that His love weaves us together in the tapestry of diversity. It’s a reminder that our ability to love is not contingent on our feelings but rooted in our response to God’s love.

The reassurance that all things are possible with God is an anchor when facing challenges in the journey of love. It prompts us to turn to God for guidance, acknowledging His love is a constant source of strength and wisdom. Living out His teachings becomes a tangible expression of this love, turning the abstract concept of divine love into a lived reality in our daily interactions.

The narrative of Joseph and Mary, intertwined with the proclamation of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, becomes a poignant symbol of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Seeking God’s love and honoring His promises in our lives becomes a testament to the enduring nature of divine love, echoing through the ages as a source of hope and inspiration. The shepherds’ proclamation signifies the joyous announcement of God’s love breaking into the world, inviting us to share in celebrating this transformative love story.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. The Shepherds and the Angels 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Luke 2:1-21 (ESV)
JRMITCH85 Decisions, Faith, Hope

Everything Begins With Joy

Music, laughter, and smiles surround us during the advance toward Christmas. The decorations and songs intend to bring joy to the people around us. Unfortunately, we are caught up in the same anxieties and troubles that entrap us through the year. Joy coming from the Spirit of God serves as a counterexample to the commercialized feeling of the Advent. As we prepare for Christ’s coming, we need to heed the example of Mary upon hearing of Christ’s coming and respond with joyful expectation. This is also the example that Paul asked of the Church in Thessalonica. 

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (English Standard Version)

The Christian life is to be rooted in a spirit of continuous joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. Embracing the spirit of Christmas, let the joy within us illuminate the world. As we navigate life’s challenges, let’s cultivate a heart filled with gratitude, prayer, and celebrating the good in every circumstance. Starting the day with a prayer for more joy sets the tone for a positive and uplifting experience. In the face of adversity, rejoicing always becomes a beacon of hope, and constant prayer is a guiding light through the darkest moments.

In a world that may seem overwhelming and unsettling, the call to rejoice, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances becomes a powerful testament to our faith. It is a reminder that joy is not contingent on external circumstances but is a gift from a loving and omnipotent God. As we approach the new year, let’s carry the light of joy into the unknown; despite the challenges that may lie ahead, trust in the power of God to bring joy in all circumstances. This joy becomes a source of strength and resilience, allowing us to face the future with hope and anticipation.

The essence of the gospel is not only to be received but also to be shared. Let the joy in our hearts be a beacon of love to others. By reaching out to those in need, spreading the message of hope, and being a source of joy, we fulfill the call to share the love of Christ with the world. Finding joy in God transforms our entire being, especially during the holiday season. As we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, may the joy in our hearts be contagious, spreading warmth and love to those around us.

We are called to anchor our joy in God in an uncertain world. Regardless of the circumstances, we have countless reasons to give thanks. Cast aside anxiety, embrace the joy that comes from above, and approach each day with a spirit that cannot be quenched. May this Christmas season be filled with love, joy, and peace that surpasses all understanding.

JRMITCH85 Uncategorized

Merry Christmas

As we have arrived near the peak of the holiday season at Christmas, packages that have been prepared and wrapped carefully are about to be torn apart to reveal the prizes that await their benefactors. I know I am excited to watch my kids check out all of the toys, games, and goodies that my wife and I have prepared and carefully placed under the tree. As much as we try and avoid the commercial aspects of Christmas, somehow it always sucks us in, and we look forward to the stuff waiting under the tree. 

Image

However, the “New” Hope that we don’t have to wait to open is the love of God that readily awaits us to accept and then pass along to all those with whom we come in contact. God has given this love to us fully. We don’t deserve this gift, our lives would probably place us on the “Naughty List”, but God sent Christ as an infant, taught us, and sent us a huge gift by dying on the cross for our transgressions. Through the life and death of Christ, we have hope, peace is upon us, joy is available, and by all of these God wraps us up in love.

On this Christmas, I wish you all hope and peace, joy and God’s love abounding in all of your lives.

JRMITCH85 Faith, Hope, Ramblings

Even Greater Gifts

Now that the holiday season is past and the gift giving has ended for a while, I looked back at one of my deepest joys was getting the opportunity to look at the face of my son as he opened his birthday gifts earlier in the season, and Christmas gifts. For his birthday I decided to give him a skateboard (with a helmet and pads), and I was filled with so much glee that he wanted to go out and immediately put on the pads and go ride his skateboard. That feeling was only to be topped by “Christmas” morning, and he woke me up to tell me, “I got a kitchen daddy, I got a kitchen!”, when the night before I was up until 2 AM putting it together, but his excitement made the sleep deprivation worth it.

Although I am not always the most astute person when it comes to getting people gifts, I knew what it was that would bring him a great deal of joy. Certainly, the excitement of getting gifts is enough to bring joy, no matter what the gift might be, but there is a certain gleam in his eye when he gets some particular gifts. I was overjoyed that the gifts I picked out for him were those special gifts. Even when “Santa” gets the credit for bringing the gifts.

However, no matter how good I was at picking out gifts, God is better at getting us just what we need at the right time. At the same time, God is pleased to give us what we need, and sometimes we also get those wants. We are blessed, we are bestowed with gifts, and God expresses love to us in diverse ways. God wants a relationship with us no matter what, and has gone to the cross to show us the extent of that love.

Jesus teaches us about God’s gift giving in Luke’s Gospel,

“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks fore a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:9-13)

One of those great gifts God blessed me with after Christmas was snow. On Sunday after church the snow started coming down, and it kept going until the next morning. I was just in awe of the beauty with which God has blessed us. Although I never would have thought to ask God for snow, I hope that the worship filled response I had toward the snow, allowed God the same joy I had when I saw the excitement in my son’s face.

 

JRMITCH85 Decisions, Ramblings

Dear Starbucks

Dear Starbucks,

Christmas is not over, so why have you taken down all of your festive decorations and your “holiday” menu already? I thought that I could walk in and still see your red colors, but the brown and green of “ordinary time” has already returned.  The gift of Christmas is 12 days long beginning on the 25th. Therefore, I wished that you would keep up your decorations up until at least the first of January, if not the full Christmas until January 6th on Epiphany, or maybe even until the Sunday after the 6th.

I fully recognize that you, Starbucks, are not interested in maintaining the church traditions about Christmas, and that it is true most people are not going to buy that extra pound of “Christmas Blend” after the 25th of December, I don’t fully understand the need to revert so quickly. I walked into your friend, Target, the other day and they were already trying to get me to buy into the Valentine’s Day hype. I understand this is the commercial aspect of our Western holiday structure, but I don’t go into Target for the experience, I do go into Starbucks for the experience.

If we let the 25th of December be the end of the “Commercial” Christmas, and spent the rest of Christmas resting in the fact that it is Christmas, maybe we would all have a better perspective on what it is we should all be focusing upon during Christmas. Maybe we should all take a lesson from “A Miracle on 34th Street”, when we begin to understand that we all benefit when we work together and strive for a common goal of meeting the “needs” of the world.

Oh well, I guess I will have to settle for leaving my tree up until Christmas is over.

Wishing you a warm and merry Christmas,

ELPISANDSHALOM.COM

JRMITCH85 Decisions, Hope, Ramblings

So Many Things To Do, So Little Time (Christmas Eve Edition)

It is here.

It has come like the kid playing hide-and-seek who has just finished counting, and has begun the search for those hiding, proclaiming, “ready or not, here I come!”

“Oh no, I never finished putting the decorations up!”

“I’ve got to get to the mall and finish my Christmas shopping.”

“This house is a mess, I have to get it clean!”

“Those presents aren’t going to wrap themselves.”

“There is so much to do, and I have so little time to accomplish it!”

These thoughts are the thoughts of a frantic person that has probably procrastinated on getting their Christmas tasks completed, and is now stressing out over their inability to complete the task list. This person is me. Maybe I am continuing the procrastination by taking time to write this blog, since I have not written any since the month began. (Another thing on the list that got pushed to the side.)

This stress level is proof positive that I have failed to keep perspective on the season. A season that started so promising, as we got the tree up the week after Thanksgiving. My son’s help was fantastic, as he made sure the candy canes were placed perfectly, and all of his favorite ornaments were in the same place. This was fun and helped me focus on the fact that I have been blessed with a marvelous 3-year-old, and watching the Christmas excitement in his eyes has been marvelous.

However, that was where the peace and time to just be in the season started to fade, as one thing led to another, and stress and to do lists began to take over. I don’t think it is unique to the time around Christmas, but it seems to be amplified by the fact that there is one day where everything happens, and judging by the way stores look the week after x-mas, the season ends, off to the next holiday.

Well here I am, trying to gain more perspective. This season is about the eager anticipation of the coming of the savior of the world: A savior who has come to us first as a vulnerable baby, a savior that remains with us to guide us through the Holy Spirit, and a savior who promised to come again! It isn’t about lists or calendars, it is about breathing in deep the breath of God, and allowing our hearts to let go of hustle and bustle, and rest in the fact that the Creator of the Universe loves you, and provides more joys, more presents, and more love than any man in a Red Suit.

So I wish you all a Merry Christmas, let us celebrate, and I encourage you to take a deep breath today!