Bethany Community Church

Watching the Wall, December 2009

Advent has a way of sneaking up on me, especially when it starts the Sunday after Thanksgiving. As I gear up, my first thought is to cut corners. Do I have to put Christmas lights on the outside of the house this year? I know we have the friendly competition with our neighbors, to be the first house lit, if not the best, but can I let it go this year? What about the Advent Calendar? And which of the red/green boxes on the high shelf is it in?

The Advent wreath was another shortcut I wanted to take this year. “Would it be okay if we just read the advent stories, but didn’t light candles?” I asked my son. He looked at me in disbelief and suggested I stop by the thrift store and pick up some inexpensive solution to the problem of no Advent wreath. Yes, it mattered to him.

We all want to take shortcuts in our life. Especially during busy times, like the holidays, we are tempted to give up anything that seems extra so that we have time for the urgent to-do lists. Unfortunately those things that seem extra are often, in reality, the most important.

Prayer may be one of those things. God knows our hearts. He knows our desires before we speak them. But there is something that occurs in our hearts when we name those desires, so that they are out there on the table before God. Our nagging sadness in spite of the celebration of the season. Our fear regarding an uncertain future. Our addiction to some substitute for intimacy with God. This prayer of confession before God draws us into His presence in authentic ways, as His spirit speaks to our spirit, reminding us that regardless of our circumstances, we belong to Him.

Prayer for others may be lost as well, as our focus narrows to our close family and friends and the details of preparing for gift-giving and feasting together. Yet our own planning should remind us of those around us for whom the holidays may not be so filled with joy. Loss, uncertainty, and grief may overshadow this time of year for them. Praying for them renews our own humble gratitude for God’s provision and may reveal to us concrete ways that we can reach out to those around us.

This December, as we prepare for Christmas, and celebrate with friends and family, may we not shortcut our time in prayer, so that we will carry God’s presence with us into all our activities and events. Blessings to you all during this Advent season.

In Christ,

Nancy Eckardt
Director, Discipleship and Leadership Development

This Week:

Pray for Pastor Richard throughout the month of December, as he spends his time in Europe. He will be teaching at two different Bible schools during his time, as well as vacationing with his family during Christmas. Pray for health and refreshment, and a renewed focus for the coming year.

Pray for staff as they share the teaching and ministry load while Richard is away. Pray that God will anoint their hearts as they prepare.

Pray for all the volunteers and staff who are a part of the Advent celebrations here at Bethany. Pray also for the hearts of the congregation as they listen and participate in the events. Pray that this season will be a powerful time of drawing people to Christ as we reflect on the profound and loving expression of God becoming flesh.

Pray for Shonnie Scott and Scott Sund, who have been identified as the ones to lead our first two church plants. Pray that God would give them a vision that reflects His heart and the hearts of those who will plant the church with them. Pray that we will all see ourselves as a part of this effort, and that we would be willing to hear God’s voice for our own lives in this area, and be obedient.

Pray for those in our midst who are looking for work. Pray that God would give them peace and direction in their search, and that He would provide all their needs and the needs of their families.

Pray for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones this season. Pray for those who will attend our Longest Night Service on December 21, that they will experience the comfort of God’s love, and the hope that comes from our faith in Christ.

Pray for those who live around Bethany who are struggling financially. Pray that we will be able to help them in tangible ways through our Benevolence Fund.

Pray for our missionaries who are away from family and friends during the holidays, some for the first time. Pray that God will fill up their loneliness with his presence, and provide a new “family” for them to celebrate with. Pray that they will be renewed in their sense of God’s power in their lives and ministry in this new year.

And finally, pray that we would take this time of Advent to grow more deeply in love with Jesus, and that the love he has poured out on us will spill into our homes and communities, and that we will give God the glory.

Come Lord Jesus.