November 29, 2015
Stetson Memorial UMC
First Sunday of Advent
Sunday of Peace
Sermon Series “Awed and Odd”
Inspired by Marcia McPhee
Peace Within the Conflict
Isaiah 2:4; Psalm 122:6, 7;
Romans 13:11; Matthew 24:42, 44
“Peace In the Valley. . . ”
Prayer for the
Spirit’s leading. . .
“.
. . they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning
hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn
war anymore.” Isaiah 2:4
To me. . . it is very exciting to be here at
another time of preparation for the new born child. Because love came down for
all of humanity we can celebrate even in the world in which we live. . . even
though it may look as if the “world has won.”. . . for we know the truth that
our God is the only true God and will be victorious.
“Keep
awake. . . you also must be ready. . . ”
Matthew 24:42, 44
Marcia McPhee states in her “Awed & Odd” Sermon
series:
“We
Christians believe in “folly”–that there is peace, love, joy and hope in the
midst of the good and difficult times. This makes us “odd”–according to those
who proclaim the victory of decline and death all around. It is especially in
this season of expectant hope that we can instead proclaim the awe-inspiring
presence of God’s reign that continually makes all things new. This is a season
of odd “union”–swords into plowshares, wolves and lambs resting peacefully
together, and the “speechless” singing for joy!”
So here we are at the First Sunday of Advent. . . the
Sunday of peace. Now in the world in which we live we can see a lot of “non-peace”
so to speak around us. Our eyes look to see “peace within the conflict”. (Speak from the Spirit). Colorado
Planned Parenthood shooting: 3 killed; Our own UMC
Isis;
Middle East
“Pray
for the peace of Jerusalem. . . peace be
within your walls. . . ” Psalm 122:6, 7
“.
. . it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep.” Romans 13:11
Where have you seen non-peace around you and what
light of God have you seen in that situation.
Remember. . . we are to now awaken from our slumber. . .
We are a little “odd” because we are “awed” by God
who even in the darkness is there creating order out of chaos. We need to be
awakened from our sleep to see and share that vision with those who still have
the scales over their eyes.
Let us pray. . . pray for us to awaken and see peace within the chaos. . .
Amen
======
November 29, 2015
First Sunday of Advent
Inspired by Marcia McFee
Sermon Series “Awed and Odd”
Peace Within the Conflict
Isaiah 2:4
Psalm 122:6, 7
Romans 13:11
Matthew 24:42, 44
message: “Peace in the Valley. . . ”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
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- Mystery Box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
November 29, 2015
First Sunday of Advent
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