Rev. Chism's Weekly Message

"What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people." - John 1:3b-4

Winter is here so some of you are probably dreaming of summer returning. Summer will arrive and many of us will disappear for a while taking multiple vacations. Trips to the beach, the mountains, or camping nearby are some of the things we like to do. We gotta take advantage of the nice weather!

Many years ago my home church was led by Rev. Johnny Trombaugh. Rev. Johnny married my Mom and Dad so his memory is very important to us. The Reverend noticed something during his time in my home church. Many people disappeared during the summer (See, it just doesn't happen here.) Where did they all go? They went to their lake homes just a few miles away. Apparently, the drive into town, only ten miles, was hard for them.

Rev. Johnny had an idea that he introduced to his leadership. He successfully led them in creating a worship service on the lake. It was called River Church and it happened during the summer months. It would start just after school got out and end around Labor Day. The service is still ongoing and an important part of the community. This past summer, my niece Harper was baptized at one of the services after she completed Confirmation.

The church made the bold move of taking God to the lake. Boats still pull close to shore today as the preacher leads the service from the shore. Not only did they take God to the lake, they went to a place that is not traditional in today's culture. People still flock there.

They took God's joy to the river. When people went to meet John the Baptist, maybe they were looking for some of that joy that God gives.

People flocked out of Jerusalem and the towns of Israel to be baptized and here from the messenger we know as John the Baptist. Last week we talked about John being a messenger preparing and making a "way" for Lord Jesus. This was not Temple worship in Jerusalem. It was not in their local synagogues. It was "down by the river" where people were seeking God.

Advent is our season of preparation for Christmas. It's also cold outside so I don't see us heading to any river. That being said, we can always go to the spiritual river of life and draw from it the grace of God. Water is a foundation of life. We can't live without it.

There is beautiful imagery of a river found in Revelation 22. It says, "Then the angel (or messenger) showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Jesus). The Apostle Paul would often meet early followers of Jesus down by a river. A lot of times they had worship services in spots such as these.

What does this have to do with Advent? John says "water is life" and light could also be equated to waking up, seeing God, and receiving the good news. People flocked to see John and be baptized in the river. They were searching for hope. Life has to be better than this. Water symbolizes life. We remember and prepare for Jesus to bring such things as hope and "life" to all people.

Advent means so much to us. Let us remember and celebrate the new life and joy Christ gives us all.

Stay Safe,

Rev. Baxter