Emily Dickenson once said, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.” Hopefulness in our world seems so often to have been displaced by a sense of hopelessness. In the prophecy of Isaiah we hear proclaimed that the prophet was sent to the people of God in the southern kingdom of Judah because God was displeased with them. The Hebrew rulers had chosen the world over God; they opted for darkness over light. This situation had led to many problems. Many felt oppressed.
The prophet proclaims that the days of oppression and war are over—that light has dispelled the darkness—the people who have lived for so long in darkness have now seen a great light. It is a time for the people to rejoice as at the harvest because God will send a person who will be rich in authority. This authority will grow continually, and will lead to lasting peace. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This special manifestation of God’s faithfulness to Israel will bring about the establishment of a new kingdom where justice and righteousness will reign and God will protect and provide for his people; he will never abandon them.
Join us this week at Sedona UMC as we begin our Advent Journey and Pastor Fred Mast brings a message titled “A Message of Hope” from the 9th chapter of Isaiah. We begin this four week journey to Christmas with “Hope”—a journey which finds many searching for a foundation on which to build the New Year. Sunday mornings we enter spirit filled worship at 9:30 am featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and spirit led life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Our worship is upbeat and lively, we laugh, we cry, and most of all we welcome all as family. Fellowship time begins immediately following worship and features the best coffee, sweet treats, and friendship you will find anywhere. Plan to make a morning of it; because once you’re here you won’t want to leave—guaranteed!
All are invited to join in a four week advent study led by Pastor Fred. This study will look back at the events of Jesus’ birth through the eyes of his mother Mary. The study will begin Wednesday 11/23 at 3:00PM and run through 12/21. Like us on Facebook and visit our website at www.sedonaumc.org. In need of prayer? Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona.
