Friday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon

There are three messages to us. John the Baptist has a word. Paul has a word. Jesus has a word for us.

John's word is "turn around" and look what you have become. That is good advice any time and for any person.

Paul's word is "live in harmony" and enjoy the life you have to the "glory of God". This is an important message for us as we struggle with the complexities of the relationships we have. Advent is a time to seek to find the harmony between people and to try to reconcile with those with whom our relationship has drifted.

Jesus' word "come and sit a while" and let us break bread together. This is an important time for us as we seek to catch our breath and allow the season and its message to help us find inner peace and joy.

Donna Schaper in her book All is Calm writes, "Calm is not something we can get from beyond us. Its source is within us. Yes, God is Beyond us. Big time! But God comes to us through our insides, through the moments when we pay attention to who and what is really happening. God's route is inner despite the fact that God is outer and beyond and always a bit out of our reach. God comes to us in mysterious ways: when God is there, we simply 'know' it. We go to deeper levels from a higher level."

Sunday we will light the candle of Hope. We will examine our preparation for Christmas and we will look forward to a time when God is present, the story has its powerful witness, and we have found calm.

What hope do you see these days?
What calm have you begun to find?

If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read you thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.

If you would like a rough draft of the sermon indicate that to me write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net and I will send to you.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster