Scripture Reading: Psalm 80:1-7; 17-19 During the four Sundays leading to Christmas called Advent we will be focusing on the meaning of the central claim of the Christian faith – God has made a move closer to this world through Jesus in order to restore and save people from sin. God’s move closer through Jesus brings hope, peace, joy and love into our lives. This isn’t simply about a personal spiritual experience meant to make us feel better. God’s move toward us is a wonderfully personal gift meant to inspire our own movement toward one another. God wants everyone to participate in moving closer to those we find easy to ignore and overlook. (This might be the best Christmas gift you could give God!) In doing this we participate with God in the work of Jesus. In doing this we also share with God in bringing hope, peace, joy and love to our world. It is such a beautiful, grace-full thing! All made possible by God’s move closer to us through Jesus.
Sermon Manuscript - Moving Closer: Hope