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Everyone is very welcome to join us for the Sunday Church service on December 3 at 10 am.  There is Sunday School during the service and coffee in the Fellowship Hall afterwards.

Here is a note from Rev. Marlene.

“From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4

Today’s reading from Isaiah marks the beginning of our Advent journey toward the birth of Christ. The passage begins and ends with an emphasis on relationship; that of God being our father. Unfortunately, it is a relationship marked by brokenness. Isaiah contrasts Israel wandering and turning away from God versus the awe and reverence that the Holy One deserves. If the mountains quake in God’s presence, how much more should we respond with awe to God’s companionship in our lives?

This passage is full of emotion as Isaiah struggles to convey his message. There is praise, longing, pleading, remorse and gratitude all combined in this image-driven piece.

Isaiah points to the “awesome deeds” that the Redeemer performed on behalf of God’s people. This is a reference to the Exodus out of Egypt and God’s providence during the wilderness wonderings, including the giving of the Commandments on Mount Sinai. Despite this overwhelming evidence of God’s care and power, the Israelites still turn away from God. As a result, God has justifiably “hidden” his face from them. Scholars suggest that the “hidden God” motif is common in the Psalms and pictures a breakdown in the relationship between God and the beloved community.

Yet, the reading does not end on this negative note. Instead, Isaiah calls God, “father,” a second time, recalling that all of Israel is God’s creation, and that the God-Potter continues to fashion them according to his will. I notice that it says, “We are all the work of your hands,” there is a beautiful inclusivity in that statement. We are all the handiwork of God.

Perhaps, this passage echoes our own cry of repentance and a return to God during this Advent season. Let us remember the times that God has done “awesome deeds” in our lives. In what ways do we allow God to shape our inner and outer being in our day-to-day lives?