“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

– Hebrews 12:2

Dear HBIC Family,

This Advent season, I’ve been on a journey of asking, “What is it that Jesus brings, and how is Jesus bringing these same things to the world through me?” I believe this to be our invitation this year as a church and family as well. In a season of waiting, expectation and celebration, we ask, “How does Jesus enter in? How is Jesus entering in to our world through us?” During the season of remembering Jesus as Immanuel, God with us, we can also ask how God is with our world through our life and witness.

I have grown to love Advent. This was not a season generally remembered by the church traditions and families of my youth. So, it has been something that for which I have also grown in appreciation. It is something that I believe should hold great significance in all church traditions and families. In Advent, we unite with our brothers and sisters globally to remember that Christ has come. In Advent, we unite with believers of old and believers to come to remember that Christ will come again. And in advent, we hold on today to the truth that Christ comes to live in and through us.

This Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent, and our focus will be on joy. We will celebrate the joy that Christ brings in his coming as Immanuel. We will worship our Christ who will come again to take us home with him in glory. And we will give thanks to our God for Jesus, who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, lives in and through all who believe and follow him. To prepare for this week’s services, I invite you to read and reflect on Hebrews 12:1-3. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:

Who are the people around you, your cloud of witnesses, that model Christ for you?

How has God transformed you in the past? How is God working in you now?

What is one area in which you need to be more intentional in trusting God?

How does Jesus’ coming into your world gift you joy today?

The reminder of the joy that Christ brings has been a source of strength for me. This weekend, our church family will be gathering to remember and celebrate the life of our dear sister, Germaine Hernandez. Across the world, back home in Liberia, my extended family will be gathering to remember and celebrate the life of my Uncle Bill. And just yesterday, I learned that a friend from high school, Tony, unexpectedly passed away. The last few weeks has been very hard for me and for so many of us. But Christ is our joy and strength.

Sisters and brothers, Jesus came into our world to bring joy. In Jesus, we have joy because God meets us where we are. In Jesus, we have joy because God guides us by the Holy Spirit. In Jesus, we have joy because God fulfills promises. In Jesus, we have the joy to come and the joy to be known today. In Jesus, we have joy. Praise God for that. Praise God for the gift of joy.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Heb. 12:2)