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“A Word for this Week” - Pastor Bill Mugnolo
Week of December 4-10, 2023: “The Colors of Advent” … Isaiah 64:1-9.
During the Season of Advent, there are two liturgical colors that the Church uses. These days, blue is mostly used as the color of joyful anticipation as we joyfully prepare for the annual celebration of Our Lord’s birth. Purple, however, is the more traditional color for Advent. This color, also used during Lent, is the color of sorrow and mourning for our sins.
This second more traditional color of Advent reminds us not only that Jesus Christ was born into our world, but as to why He came—to “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The ministry of John the Baptist, so emphasized during Advent, points us to our need for repentance from our sins. Isaiah 64:1-9 also tells us how unclean our sins have made us—how they sweep us away just as dead leaves are blown away.
Still, Isaiah begs the Lord not to forsake us as “the work of His hands”. The Lord, despite our sins, has answered the prophet’s prayer and has not abandoned us. As blue and purple are both Advent colors, they are also colors long associated with royalty. A true king never forsakes his people, but always looks out for their best interests. Yes, Jesus Christ, as we will soon celebrate, has come as our newborn King. He will someday come again as our King in glory. Today, He seeks to reign as King in our hearts who is always looking after us.
While the world, at this time of year, says “ho, ho, ho”, we who are in Christ are to see our sins and say, “Oh, no, no!” While the world sings, “Tis the season to be jolly”, we look at Advent as, “Tis the season to be sorry”. But during Advent, Christmas, and throughout the year, we can look to King Jesus and the forgiveness He has brought us by His cross and resurrection and proclaim, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”
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Replace today's negative thoughts with God's eternal truths
The world says: "Its impossible." God says: "All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)
The world says "I'm too tired." God says: "I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-30)
The world says: "Nobody really loves me." God says: "I love you." (John 3:16, 34)
The world says: "I can't go on." God says: "My grace is sufficient." (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91:15)
The world says: "I can't figure things out." God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
The world says: "I can't do it." God says: "You can do all things." (Philippians 4:13)
The world says: "I'm not able." God says: "I am able." (2 Corinthians 9:8)
The world says: "It's not worth it." God says: "It will be worth it." (Roman 8:28)
The world says: "I can't forgive myself." God says: "I forgive you." (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:1)
The world says: "I can't manage." God says: "I will supply all your needs." (Philippians 4:19)
The world says: "I'm afraid." God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (2 Timothy 1:7)
The world says: "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says: "Cast all your cares on Me." (1 Peter 5:7)
The world says: "I'm not smart enough." God says: "I give you wisdom." (1 Corinthians 1:30)
The world says: "I feel all alone." God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)