With Great Anticipation

It is hard to believe that the Advent Season is already upon us. It seemed like yesterday that 2021 was just beginning. A lot has happened over the recent year. For my family am I, we answered the call to relocate to the Lehigh Valley to minister to the Bangor Church of the Nazarene. The road leading here was filled with challenges and trials; none-the-less, we finally got here. God’s timing is always perfect.

Since the beginning of August, it has been a pleasure for us to serve the Bangor Church of the Nazarene. In that short span of time, we have experienced some very joyful things, as well as some very sad occasions. Still, the ministry of serving the church in Bangor is a blessing, regardless of the circumstances. As I reflect on the short time here, it only prompts me to look forward to the days ahead that I believe will be filled with the promise of what Advent means in the first place. Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

Looking at Hope, I have so much hope for the future of the Bangor Nazarene Church and its people. As we turn the corner from the pandemic, I see improvements taking place. People are returning to church services, children’s program and Awana ministries are growing, youth meetings are and activities are blooming, and Sunday school is developing disciples for Christ. How can we not have Hope?

As I consider all that we have and what’s taking place, I want us to look to the comings days with great hope that God is going to continue to do even greater things for our church and the surrounding community. Jesus brought hope to us some 2000 years ago. He came to give us life and in great abundance.  It is our responsibility to forward that hope in the lives of others so that all people will know what it truly means to have real hope.

As for Peace, adventuring into the unknown and not having clarity on what to expect can fill a heart with anxiety and apprehension; however, the Lord has given a peace and calm that has swept over us. We are confident that we are in the center of God’s will in which, there is no better place to be. For me and my family, God has given to us a special peace that has led to where we are.

It is not an easy thing to pick up your roots and leave the home you made to answer the call of God in life; yet, God gave us a peace and a passion for the opportunity to be here in the Bangor area and to lead his church. We know that we are in God’s will as we venture together with the people of the Bangor Nazarene Church. There is nothing like a settled spirit which can only be established when we walk within the borders of God’s will. It is there that we find a peace that surpasses all understanding. That will lead to the next topic of Advent.

It is a Joy to my family and me to be here serving the people of the Bangor Nazarene Church. We are experiencing a happiness and gladness in building new relationships and friendships that we know will be long lasting. We find joy at just about every turn in our ministry here. There is joy knowing that Jesus is the center of all we do and all we speak. Joy flows forth for his people through our praise and admiration for him. 
Joy is something that cannot be mimicked or developed without a genuine source. Christ brings to us a joy as we benefit our surrendered lives to him. He leads us to the times of prosperity and guides us during times of hardship. What a pleasure to have the Almighty working on our behalf, that we would be called ‘Children of God’. It only shows his great love for us.

That brings us to the final Advent theme, which is Love. During the Advent Season, I cannot help to think of the verse from John 3:16 saying, “For God so loved the world, that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish be have eternal life”. There is no greater love than this. God love you and me in that He gave us the Best of the Best.

With this love, I too, can love. Since God is perfect in all things, he has set the perfect example of love to us. During this season of giving, I encourage the giving of the greatest gift of all; Love. With that, I want to express, from my family and me, to you and your, our love and sincere warm wishes for a great Christmas and a blessed New Year.