Scripture Readings: Isaiah 64: 1-9 & 1 Corinthians1:3-9
Advent is a time to purify ourselves and await the coming of the Lord. This Advent begins with a prayer of the prophet Isaiah that is both a lament and a plea. In Isaiah 64, we witness the prophet’s desperate cry for God’s intervention and presence. God’s people came back to God, pleading for His fatherly compassion. The people, feeling God’s distance, confess their sins and seek a renewed relationship, demonstrating a profound hope in their longing.
God, in turn, plans to create a righteous people in whom He delights, emphasizing that salvation stems from His love and mercy. May we express our trust to God in his plan, no matter how dark the present looks. God is mighty to save his people, and he delights in them. God will transform his people into a righteous community.
Moving to 1 Corinthians 1:1, we encounter a plea for God’s direct intervention, highlighting our reliance on God’s power in times of distress. Our hope rests not in our strength but in the God who can shake the foundations of the earth, working even when unseen.
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 3) represents the foundation of the Christian life. Paul expresses gratitude in verse 4 for the grace manifested in the Corinthians, emphasizing that our hope is in God’s grace, not our merit.
“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” Paul begins with thanksgiving, acknowledging the grace that God has poured out on the believers in Corinth. Our community is also built on the love and peace that flow from God, the source of all grace. May we give thanks for the grace that binds us together and sustains us.
God’s gift of salvation had brought the Corinthians into a relationship with other believers, and they were members of one body. The church consists of all those who have been sanctified in Jesus Christ. Although the Corinthians longed for Christ to return in glory, their spiritual gifts equipped them to live lives of faith in the meantime.
Verse 7 says, “Therefore, you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.” Today’s text reminds us of spiritual gifts given by God in our faith community. God has given each of us unique abilities, talents, and insights. Our community becomes a field of diverse gifts, enriching us in every way. As we reflect on this, let us give thanks for the diversity of gifts present among us. Each gift is a testimony to God’s grace, and together they contribute to the edification and growth of our faith community.
In verses 8-9, Paul assures the Corinthians of God’s faithfulness, grounding their thanksgiving in the present and future. Both Isaiah and Corinthians convey messages of hope, whether in repentance or in the grace of God and anticipation of Christ’s return. The passages also touch on unity within the body of Christ, emphasizing a collective response to God’s grace.
Isaiah emphasizes the corporate nature of repentance, while 1 Corinthians underscores the shared enrichment and blessings in Christ. We are called for a response to God’s grace – be it repentance, gratitude, or faithful anticipation. As we give thanks, we are reminded that our hope is secure in God’s faithfulness.
In expressing thanks for the gifts in our faith community, we must not overlook the faithfulness of God. The One who has called us into fellowship is faithful to keep us firm until the end. As we navigate the journey of faith together, let our thanksgiving be grounded in the assurance that God’s faithfulness is the heart of our community.
How do we respond to this profound sense of gratitude? Paul’s words invite us to cultivate thanksgiving as a way of life and to actively engage in sharing our gifts within the community. Gratitude is not just an emotion; it is a spiritual discipline. As we cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, we become more tuned to the beauty of God’s work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. May we take intentional moments in our lives to reflect on God’s grace.
Each of us plays a unique role in the body of Christ and contributes to the flourishing of our faith community, Leighmoor and wider communities. I appreciate that our congregation members seek opportunities to share our gifts, whether it be through acts of service, encouragement, or using specific talents. May we recognize and celebrate the diverse gifts present within our faith community.
In the challenges we face individually and collectively, may we hold on to the hope that God is at work, and our trust is in His unfailing love. In our thanksgiving, let us not only express gratitude for past blessings but also acknowledge the ongoing grace that sustains us. As a community of believers, we eagerly await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, confident that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion.
As Advent approaches, we rejoice in the blessings from God in Christ. May we pray for the Lord to help us be willing to witness for him while we are waiting for his return. May grace and peace sustain us, and may this season be a beautiful waiting for Jesus, with the rest of our lives as continual thanksgiving for God’s grace, spiritual enrichment, and faithfulness.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)
