I put my Christmas lights up the day before Thanksgiving. This annual chore is normally not performed until December 1, on principle. But this year, it seemed right to hasten a new season into existence. I took some grief from the neighbors, but by the end of the weekend their wives evidently got after them too and now our corner looks pretty festive. I like Christmas lights once they’re up.
 
A new season brings new hope. Hope of cards from family and friends far away. Hope for presents under the tree; stockings stuffed with trinket treasures, and the possibility of a white Christmas. Hey, maybe even a vaccine for COVID-19. Hope is a gift that lifts our eyes above the din around us toward the expectant arrival of something longed for. 
 
When the events of the very first Christmas are told in the opening books of the New Testament, it had been 400 years since the last book of the Old Testament (Malachi) had been written. The Advent of Jesus Christ, born of a virgin in the obscure town of Bethlehem, shattered 400 silent years of God speaking into human history. That long, dark season of silence is poetically captured in the carol, O Holy Night.
 
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Till He appeared and the soul felt His worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices.
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
 
Languishing through 10 months of COVID seems trite in comparison to 400 years without a word from God. Who could remain hopeful? Ah, but a remnant was waiting. Longing. They had not lost hope. Simeon comes to mind. When he held the baby named Jesus, just eight days after His birth, he declared to God: “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation.”  Hope fulfilled is a tree of life!
 
Hope well-grounded is a powerful force for flourishing through the complexities and exigencies of life in 2020. In our December worship services we’ll be anchoring our hope to the promises of God fulfilled in Jesus. Immanuel. Savior. King. Our series is called, A Thrill of Hope! Maybe you know someone who needs a fresh dose of hope this Christmas; why not invite them to join you online to worship with us?
 
Lucy and I love serving at Calvary with you; we pray God will give you a hope-filled Christmas!

Tom Shirk
Senior Pastor

Have you ever played the game “highs and lows?” It’s a great way to connect with others as everyone shares their high and low points of their day, week, or year. This season has been filled with both ups and downs for us all. There have been highs and lows within our families, work, church, community and country. It can be quite the rollercoaster.

As we journey through the book of Acts together we have seen the life of Paul through all kinds of ups and downs, highs and lows. He lives through times of comfort (Acts 18:2, 3) and times of need (Acts 16:23, 24). He encountered good civic leaders (Acts 13:6-12) and bad civic leaders (Acts 14:5, 6). Sometimes people listen to his message (Acts 17:11, 12) and sometimes they reject it (Acts 13:50). He has times where he is on his own (Acts 17:16) and times when he experiences rich community (Acts 18:1-5).

Paul shares how he lived through a multitude of circumstances. He did this not by his own tenacity but through the strength that came from Jesus. (Philippians 4:13). He didn’t make it through the good or hard parts of life by sucking it up, toughing it out, never showing weakness, pulling it together, or looking on the sunny side of life. He made it because of Jesus. This same source of strength is available to you too.

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13.

As we face the highs and lows together it is important to look to Jesus for stability. And being strengthened by Him lets us encourage one another and build one another up, just as we continue to see and hear that you are doing.

Tom Shirk and Thomas Milburn
Senior Pastor and Erie Campus Pastor