Advent Day 2 – Hope – Emma Community Market
December 2, 2024 – Hope – Emma Community Market
Anticipating New Heavens and a New Earth
2 Peter 3:1-18
"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home." (2 Peter 3:13)
Advent is a season of waiting, of hope, and of preparing for the in-breaking of God’s justice in the world. For those who live under systems of oppression—be it through displacement, gentrification, or the stripping away of cultural and communal roots—this waiting takes on an urgent and embodied dimension. Our hermanas (sisters) in mujerista theology call us to see God through the lived experiences of Latinas and other marginalized peoples, lifting up their struggles and resilience as sacred. Working to uplift our neighbors is empowered by the hope we have in Christ’s coming. We can hope for a better future by making a better present in our lives today.
There are many sacred places and spaces in the greater Asheville area that live into the active waiting of Advent. The Emma Community Market in Asheville is a living testimony to the work of awaiting and creating a world "where righteousness is at home." This grassroots effort protects the community from external development that seeks to displace residents in favor of profit and capital gains. Like Peter's exhortation to live lives of holiness and godliness as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises, the Emma community reminds us that this holy waiting is not passive. It is active resistance to powers of destruction and a commitment to nurturing spaces where everyone belongs and has access to resources and a higher standard of living. For the residents of Emma, safeguarding their neighbors mirrors the work of God—who protects, nurtures, and values every person. This is Advent: actively making room for God's promises to be fulfilled here and now. This Advent, let us prepare not only for Christ’s coming but also for the flourishing of all people in the places they call home.
Prayer: God of promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell. In this waiting, embolden us to resist the forces of destruction, to create spaces where community can thrive, and to protect those who are vulnerable. Bless the work of the Emma Community, and all who labor for justice and belonging. Teach us to live holy and godly lives as we await your coming, trusting in your promises of justice and peace. Amen.
Action: Learn about efforts that fight against displacement and gentrification. How can you support or join their work? Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations which model the Advent hope of righteousness and belonging for all.
Interested in volunteering with the Emma Community Market? Contact Mary Beth Tanner.
Interested in volunteering with Reading Buddies at Emma Elementary? Contact Elizabeth Devereaux.
2 Peter 3:1-18
"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home." (2 Peter 3:13)
Advent is a season of waiting, of hope, and of preparing for the in-breaking of God’s justice in the world. For those who live under systems of oppression—be it through displacement, gentrification, or the stripping away of cultural and communal roots—this waiting takes on an urgent and embodied dimension. Our hermanas (sisters) in mujerista theology call us to see God through the lived experiences of Latinas and other marginalized peoples, lifting up their struggles and resilience as sacred. Working to uplift our neighbors is empowered by the hope we have in Christ’s coming. We can hope for a better future by making a better present in our lives today.
There are many sacred places and spaces in the greater Asheville area that live into the active waiting of Advent. The Emma Community Market in Asheville is a living testimony to the work of awaiting and creating a world "where righteousness is at home." This grassroots effort protects the community from external development that seeks to displace residents in favor of profit and capital gains. Like Peter's exhortation to live lives of holiness and godliness as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises, the Emma community reminds us that this holy waiting is not passive. It is active resistance to powers of destruction and a commitment to nurturing spaces where everyone belongs and has access to resources and a higher standard of living. For the residents of Emma, safeguarding their neighbors mirrors the work of God—who protects, nurtures, and values every person. This is Advent: actively making room for God's promises to be fulfilled here and now. This Advent, let us prepare not only for Christ’s coming but also for the flourishing of all people in the places they call home.
Prayer: God of promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell. In this waiting, embolden us to resist the forces of destruction, to create spaces where community can thrive, and to protect those who are vulnerable. Bless the work of the Emma Community, and all who labor for justice and belonging. Teach us to live holy and godly lives as we await your coming, trusting in your promises of justice and peace. Amen.
Action: Learn about efforts that fight against displacement and gentrification. How can you support or join their work? Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations which model the Advent hope of righteousness and belonging for all.
Interested in volunteering with the Emma Community Market? Contact Mary Beth Tanner.
Interested in volunteering with Reading Buddies at Emma Elementary? Contact Elizabeth Devereaux.
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2024
December
Advent Day 1 - HopeAdvent Day 2 – Hope – Emma Community MarketAdvent Day 3 – Hope – Angel TreeAdvent Day 4 – Hope – Haywood Street CongregationAdvent Day 5 – Hope – Youth MinistryAdvent Day 6 – Hope – Church and SocietyAdvent Day 7 – Hope – Children's MinistryAdvent Day 8 - PeaceAdvent Day 9 – Peace – Prison MinistryAdvent Day 10 – Peace – Creation CareAdvent Day 11 – Peace – Wilderness TrailAdvent Day 12 – Peace – Children's MinistryC4C Winter Coat Drive 2024Advent Day 13 – Peace – Habitat for HumanityAdvent Day 14 – Peace – United Women in FaithAdvent Day 15 - Rev. Ann OwensCentral UMC Visits First UMC, Moheto in KenyaAdvent Day 16 – Joy – College ChristmasAdvent Day 17 – Joy – Reconciling Ministries NetworkAdvent Day 18 – Joy – ABCCMAdvent Day 19 – Joy – Stephen MinistryAdvent Day 20 – Joy – Children's MinistryAdvent Day 21 – Joy – Youth MinistryAdvent Day 22 – LoveAdvent Day 23 – Love – Recovery ResourcesAdvent Day 24 – Love – Worship and the ArtsAdvent Day 25 – Christmas
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