Weekly Roundup: Sunday, December 22, 2024
As the nation is under siege from Assyrian forces and internally the threat of loss at the hands of their people, Micah, the prophet of God, is off at a distance, jumping up and down, waving and pointing in the direction of a small out of way place saying, “It is from here that God will send a leader who will set things right.” It is under his leadership that “they shall live secure” - Micah 5:4 and “he shall be the one of peace” - Micah 5:5.
The new leader will not come from Jerusalem, the city of David the King, but from Bethlehem, the small village where David was first a shepherd. He will “feed his flock in the strength of the Lord” (Micah 5:4).
Micah calls us to see God’s faithfulness in surprising ways. He invites us to look where we might not expect it and to be attuned to the voices of the small, powerless, and vulnerable.
We often equate influence with platforms, security with wealth, and leadership with those who hold visible power. Yet God’s faithfulness usually manifests in quiet, unseen acts of love, the resilience of those on the margins, and the courage of those who feel forgotten.
If you are looking for security today, remember it comes from the one who chose Bethlehem as the place to enter our world. While the mighty clamor for control and the prosperous secure their wealth, God moves into the unnoticed corners of our lives to bring lasting peace.
As we approach Christmas Day, look for how God works in our lives and our world. Commit to being attentive to God's presence in the unexpected, small and quiet, vulnerable and marginalized. Practice seeing the world through the lens of hope and expectation that God is indeed at work, bringing peace. The light comes from unexpected places and unexpected people.
Pastor Jamey
Weekend Prayer
Gracious God, as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, help us to live in hope and expectation, trusting that You are at work, bringing peace to our lives and our world. May we walk with our eyes open to Your light, even in the most unexpected places. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: This Christmas, may we see through the lens of hope: God is at work in the small, the quiet, and the vulnerable. The light of peace shines from unexpected places.
A Question to Consider: As we approach Christmas, how can you practice seeing the world through a lens of hope and expectation, believing that God is working in unexpected places?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
What is every parent's favorite Christmas song? Silent Night!
What did the gingerbread man put on his bed? A cookie sheet!
2nd Sundays of the Month at Gainesville First United Methodist Church: January 12, February 9, March 9 / 4-6 pm Click Here for More Information
Found Interesting on Social Media
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Articles that caught my eye
Prewritten Excuses for Cancelling Plans This Winter
Most People Don’t Know That These 8 Small Towns In Georgia Have Amazing Restaurants
The World’s Most Powerful Women
"Caroline's Closet" program expanding to benefit more premature babies in Massachusetts
Christians Want To Help The Church Realign
Christmas Music from my friends - Michelle, Donna, and Johnny. Check it out!
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/.../christmas.../1781695864
YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/playlist...
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
May you find security in the Shepherd who feeds His flock with strength and grace.
And may the light of Christ guide you to live with hope and expectation, seeing His work in the quiet, the vulnerable, and the overlooked. Amen.
"You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." – C.S. Lewis
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." – Zechariah 4:10
