Vine Worship at Kingwood Methodist

The next part of this series is about being "built up" in Christ. This is an ongoing process that includes the importance of community and the church. Too often we consume church rather than participate. Maybe this is an opportunity for us to take the next step.

This week in our series, we examine what we are called to be rooted to and how being intertwined with Christ and each other brings us new life now.

 

In this second week of the series we discuss what it looks like to live the life that Christ has provided. There are promises that are given for those walking with Jesus, but how do we live into those promises?

When we think about "putting down roots" we are emphasizing an orientation towards some place or season of our life. This can mean making new relationships, commitments, and focusing on what is right around you. In Colossians, Paul is challening the early Christians to "put down roots" in the faith and the Christian community. The first step of that is baptism and receiving what God is given in Jesus Christ. 

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, employed a covenant service that became a beginning of the year opportunity to recommit faith in God. Covenant is an important aspect of faith, understanding that God has done something quite significant in Jesus. Today we renew our commitment to the covenant of Jesus Christ.

Christmas is full of expectations and pressure for things to fall into place. The Christmas story is not different in that respect from our own. Also, the Christmas story is full of some failed expectations and important surprises. The proclamation of our faith is that the good news has come, a savior is born. Now, our response to this proclamation is critical.

Sometimes peace can be the most elusive reality in our live, particularly during the holidays. We also have a lot of bad expectations and definitions for peace. What if peace was more than just a moment of rest or a cease-fire in an argument? Jesus is the promised Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9, and we will look and see what that means for our life.

Joy is a gift that God gives us and that we must practice. Biblical joy was always deeper than some emotion. It was more like a commitment trusting that whatever the circumstances, God is faithful. We consider this promise of joy for God's people and in this advent season.

 

Love is one of the main themes of Christmas time. Commercials aim at Christmas shoppers looking for love. Every Christmas movie is about Santa or a lovestory, or both. The truth of Christmas is that all love is defined by God giving of Himself in Jesus Christ. This is an opportunity for us to receive this love again.

Advent is a time for us to measure our life in preparation for the coming of Christ again. During this season we will decide where our expectations have been lost in the world and what is promised to us in Jesus Christ. Hope is one of those things that shapes our lives profoundly and if misplaced or lost can be dangerous. Hope in Christ leads to unshakable lives.