The Bungee Cord. 11-8-25
Hello,
For centuries Christians have taken four weeks to prepare themselves for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, these four weeks are called Advent. At our church we light a candle each week on an Advent Wreath to experience the increasing brightening of our world that culminates in Jesus’ birth. As the Gospel of John says, “the light (Jesus) shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”
As part of that candle lighting, some sort of devotional meditation is read. This year, I am going to share those readings that I have written with you in my Bungee Cord, and I invite you to create an Advent wreath in your home and light a candle each week as you and a friend or family join in the devotion. You needn’t go and buy something fancy, placing four candles on a table, either in a straight line or in a square works fine. That is what we do in our home. If you haven’t started your advent wreath yet, join in these last two weeks.
Before dinner, my wife and I sequentially light a candle each week and spiritually prepare ourselves for Christmas. As the waning sun darkens our world, a world that is already dark enough, I invite you to discover the power of Jesus’ promised presence gaining light in your life. The devotion for the third week of Advent focuses on the angels, the heralders of the Son of God.
Angels have a long history in the Bible, from the first book of the Bible, Genesis, to the last book, Revelation. Both the Hebrew (O.T.) and Greek (N.T.) word for angel literally means messenger, and that is what the angels of Jesus’ birth story do, they bring the message of the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem to the shepherds. The angel, whose name was Gabriel brought the news to Mary that she would give birth to the Son of God. Sometimes angels are heavenly creatures who fill the sky with God’s glory, but as Hebrew 13:2 tells us, at other times the messengers of God (angels) are simply people like you and me. As you light the third advent candle in your home, consider how God might be using you to bring the message of God’s self-giving love to the world.
The Angels, the heralders of the Son of God
Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
God: Hey, angels.
Angels: Yes. Is that you Lord?
God: It’s me, alright, and I have a job for you.
Angels: Why are you talking to us? We’re surprised that you know us. We’re just simple angels, singing in your heavenly choir.
God: Well, I do know you, and I have chosen you to announce the birth of my Son to the world.
Angels: What? Say that again.
God: I’ve chosen you to announce the birth of my Son to the world, to fill the skies with my glory and bring my light to those who have walked in deep darkness.
Angels: Sounds like something too big for us to do.
God: Maybe too big for you, but not too big for me.
Angels: Ok, Lord, but hold onto us tightly.
God: I’ve got you. Let’s get to work!
Light the third candle, the angels’ candle.
Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Prepare ye the way of the Lord. (continue singing as the Advent wreath is lit)
Have a great week.
God’s grace and peace, (ggap)
Pastor Jerry Nuernberger
