Weekly Roundup: Sunday, December 8, 2024
The Wonder of The Season: The Wonder of the Refiner Fire
In Malachi’s time, the people blamed everyone else for their troubles. We do the same. We blame the world, our neighbors, and even God. It’s easier that way. But God’s work begins when we stop. It starts when we face the truth, take the blame we’ve been throwing, and hold it in our hands. Only then can the refining begin. Only then can the broken pieces start to mend.
Advent is a season of authentic preparation for the coming of Jesus. Part of that preparation involves Stop Blaming and Look in the Mirror. Advent calls us to step away from the blame game. What brokenness in your life needs refining? Is it bitterness? Pride? A relationship in need of healing? God’s work begins when we stop pointing fingers and instead ask, “Lord, what in me needs refining?”
Last week, I asked, “In what area of your life do you need to reclaim hope?” If I had to guess, it was an area that involves blaming others for the trouble you are experiencing.
God’s refining fire is not meant to destroy us but to restore us. To burn away all that keeps us from reflecting His image, peace, and love.
And as we are refined, we are also called to reflect that peace in the world. To bear the fruit of repentance—not just words, but actions that bring healing, reconciliation, and love. Who in your life needs to see the peace of Christ in you?
This Advent, let the refining begin. Instead of waiting passively, engage in the work of preparation. Reflect on your life, turn from what holds you back, and let God’s refining fire transform you. When Christ comes, may He find in us hearts ready to receive His peace and lives that reflect His love.
Pastor Jamey
Click Here to Read the Complete Sermon
(Click Here to Watch the Worship Service from Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekend Prayer
Gracious God, help us to stop blaming others for the brokenness in our lives and in the world. Instead, give us the courage to look in the mirror and see where we need Your healing touch. We surrender our pride, our bitterness, our fear, and anything else that keeps us from reflecting Your image. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: Blame is easy. Reflection is hard. This Advent, stop pointing fingers and look in the mirror. God’s refining fire starts with us. #StopBlaming #RefiningFire
A Question to Consider: If God handed you a spiritual mirror, what would you see that needs to be refined? What steps will you take to address those areas?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
How much did Santa pay for his sleigh? Nothing. It was on the house!
What do reindeers say before they tell you a joke? This one’s gonna sleigh you!
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am reading this week
Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything Hardcover by Viktor E. Frankl
Found Interesting on Social Media
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Articles that caught my eye
Bill Curry: NFL champion turned unlikely civil rights champion
There’s no such thing as a Bonhoeffer moment
Column: The Christmas season during wartime brought along hardships
A Miracle: Notre-Dame’s Astonishing Rebirth From the Ashes
How America Lost Its Taste for the Middle
Do Yourself a Favor and Go Find a ‘Third Place’
Willie Nelson: Stay A Little Longer
How the Rural Landscapes of Jimmy Carter’s Youth Inspired a Georgia Artist
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
Sunday, December 15 / 4 & 6:30 pm / Sanctuary / Free admission
This GFUMC musical tradition celebrates the music of Advent and Christmas as the Chancel Choir and Festival Orchestra present these annual concerts of holiday music you’re sure to love. Selections include arrangements of classic Christmas songs plus new holiday music for the entire family. Childcare available.
Happening in North Georgia
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
As you reflect on your life, may you have the courage to look in the mirror, let go of blame, and invite God’s refining fire to cleanse and restore you. Amen.
"It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do." – Molière
"Justice without mercy is cruelty; mercy without justice is weakness." – Saint Thomas Aquinas
