Advent Day 6 – Hope – Church and Society

Serving the Lord in Hope and Justice 
Malachi 3:13-18
"Then those who revered the Lord spoke with one another; the Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name." (Malachi 3:16)

The people in Malachi’s time wrestled with a profound question: is it worth it to serve the Lord? They saw the arrogant prosper and the wicked thrive, and they wondered if their faithfulness mattered. Yet in response, God offers a vision of hope and justice: a book of remembrance, a day of restoration, and a promise that those who serve the Lord will be treasured as God’s own.
 
During Advent, we too wait for the fulfillment of God’s justice. We see broken systems, exploitation, and oppression in our world, and it’s easy to feel discouraged. Yet Advent calls us to hope and to action. It reminds us that God listens to those who revere God and that our faithfulness contributes to the inbreaking of God’s kingdom on earth.

The work of the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Church and Society reflects this Advent hope. Rooted in the gospel call to justice, this ministry advocates for systemic change on issues like poverty, environmental stewardship, racial equity, and human rights. Their efforts remind us that faith is not a passive act but an active partnership with God’s vision for a restored and just world.
 
Sara Sterling, an advocate for all, delivers meals to food insecure individuals, mostly in public housing, through our partnership with Equal Plates Project. Her work gives her hope through the value of human connection. Deliveries of things that we might take for granted such as fresh produce gives people a sense of purpose, connection, and dignity. One of Sara’s regular recipients texted her after a recent delivery saying, “I really love being blessed every Thursday. It’s great food and helps me feel special. This environment doesn’t offer that...”

If even one of our neighbors is not flourishing, what is our responsibility to them as ministers of the Gospel? As Sara drives away from our parking lot to deliver the food, she prays these words, “for I was hungry, and you gave me food” (Matthew 25:35).  

Like the faithful remnant in Malachi, we are called to speak to one another, to organize, and to act. Whether through prayer, advocacy, or service, we participate in God’s work of restoration. Advent invites us to hold fast to the hope that our labors in faith are not in vain. God sees, remembers, and treasures those who strive for righteousness.
As we prepare for Christ’s coming, may we align our hearts with God’s mission of justice and mercy, trusting that our efforts, small as they may seem, are part of God’s unfolding redemption.

Prayer: God of justice and mercy, you hear the cries of your people and see the brokenness of our world. We thank you for the work of ministries like the General Board of Church and Society, who advocate for your vision of righteousness and peace. Help us to remain faithful, even when justice feels far off. Strengthen us to speak up for the vulnerable, to act boldly in the face of injustice, and to trust in your promises of restoration. During this Advent season, may we remember that our faithfulness is never forgotten. Write our names in your book of remembrance, and may our lives reflect your light and love to the world. Amen.
 
Action: Learn about an issue that the General Board of Church and Society is addressing, such as climate justice, poverty alleviation, or racial equity. Our Church and Society Council’s mission is “to engage, listen, and witness to our congregation in regard to systemic racism in order that we may work toward justice and reconciliation among people of the Asheville community and beyond.” At Central, our aim is to tap local resources to learn, inform, and engage the congregation in participation and advocacy. Contact Peter Barrett, incoming chair of Church and Society, and other members to partner in this important work.