As we walk through the season of Advent together, announce to the world that the Hope of Christ makes a new season possible – a SEASON OF HOPE. Learn more about how your congregation can give, assemble, worship and pray with Lutheran World Relief this Advent season.
This weekly devotional series is written by Lutherans in the U.S. and staff around the world reflecting on their faith, which calls them to proclaim hope for those in need.
Advent Week 1: Open your eyes
"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh." Romans 13:11-14 (NIV)
Vila-Sheree Watson, senior manager for philanthropic initiatives for Lutheran World Health and IMA World Health, reflects on the season of Thanksgiving and taking the time to look around and see someone who may be hungry or someone who may be in great need.
Advent Week 2: Live out your faith
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, ‘Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name’; and again he says, ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people’; and again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him’; and again Isaiah says, ‘The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” --Romans 15:4-13
Dr. Larry Sthreshley, Country Director in the Democratic Republic of Congo, based in Kinshasa, reflects on living out of one’s faith and how it can make a difference in the world.
Advent Week 3: Be patient
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. James 5:7-10 (NRSV)
Wendi Bevins, the Technical Advisor for Resilience and Monitoring, Learning & Evaluation, reflects on why this season is a time for recognizing the values that shape our lives and communities.
Advent Week 4: See God's love
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ROMANS 8:35 (NRSV)
Mounir Lado, the Country Director for conflicted-affected South Sudan, reflects on how God’s love is stronger than the pains of this world.