"Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root." Isaiah 11:1
This Sunday is the first Sunday in the season of Advent. Advent is the time in the Church calendar where all Protestant Christians anticipate anew the coming of the Messiah. It is also the start of the Church year. It is a time of new beginning.
In the Scripture above, Isaiah the prophet tells of a new branch coming out of the stump of Jesse (David's father). This new branch would bring new fruit. The promise of God is that of life and new hope. The long expected Messiah would bring a new reality of how God would interact with creation.
In the season of Advent we anticipate the coming of the Messiah anew. We also should enter into Advent as a season of what new branch God may be bringing forth from our life. What has God been preparing under the surface in our life that will grow into a new branch, bringing with it new fruit. God is always at work and there is always a new branch coming.
Last week Rev. Max Wilkins asked us to consider the question, "What in your life requires Jesus Christ to explain?" Perhaps the new branch that God will grow in your life will be an answer to that question. I believe God has a new branch for St. Andrew's that will bear even more fruit. I cannot wait to see what God will do.
This Sunday, as we start Advent, Bishop Ken Carter will be with us at 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to preach about "The Peaceable Kingdom." The Sanctuary will be open for prayer and meditation during the 8:15 hour in lieu of a service. We encourage everyone to attend either 9:45 or 11:15 worship. I hope you will join us for what will certainly be a great message and great worship. I can't wait to see you in church.