Emmanuel Lutheran Church

December 19

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

As we reflect on what faith means to us, we cannot forget that growth in faith is a process of spiritual maturing. As a couple, we have faced some stiff adversities in our lives. We often wondered why this could have happened to us, only to see the Lord's hand directing our thinking and showing us that he will truly guard and protect us, and turn those very difficult experiences into good for those who love and believe in him.

Trusting God in our lives has become a lesson that requires a true act of faith, knowing that in all cases, in the end his plan is always the best. So many times we would have a tendency to become impatient and want to control the situation. We needed, however, to learn that God knows the perfect timing for our needs, for he is the only one who truly knows what lies ahead in our future.

The Bible speaks of several different types of faith: little faith, which believes God can do something, but is not sure that he will; great faith, which believes that God can and will do something; and perfect faith, which believes that God can and will do it, and leads us to act as if he already has done it.

It is in that spirit of perfect faith that we, as members of Emmanuel, have undertaken a challenge in our Building Faith Project. We first prayed for the Lord's guidance and direction, and only after receiving his assurance did we step forward in that perfect faith. God has indeed been the cornerstone of our whole construction effort. We continually need to be faithful in asking him to be with us at all meetings, and to thank and praise him for his presence and guidance throughout the entire process.

If our hope is only in doing what we define to be good, or perhaps in just doing what we think will make us happy, we will always be disappointed. But if we seek God's will in each effort and decision, put our faith in him, and then act on that faith—we will not fail. Our loving God went far beyond all our human understanding when he sent his Son into the world, giving us the hope and promise of salvation.

As believers, we need to be faithful as we await his second coming as our glorious King, and we look forward to a joyous reunion with our loved ones who have died in their faith. In a few days we will celebrate the birth of our Savior, and our faith will again be strengthened as we hear the Christmas story and sing our praises to the newborn King.

Contributed by Bob and Jeanne Dietrich

Christmas is for Love

As you light the Angels' Candle today, think about ways you can show love during this final week of Advent. Not everybody will have a "merry Christmas" during this time of economic hardship. Check with the church office or a local agency to see if there's a family (or a couple or single person) you could "adopt" for the holidays. Try to find a family group that is similar in size and age to your own.

As you shop for your holiday meals, buy food for your adopted family, too.  When you buy gifts for your family, buy gifts for your adopted family— especially remember any children in that family.

Whatever you do for others during this season of love will make your own celebration of Christmas richer and more meaningful.