Advent Day 18 – Joy – ABCCM
December 18, 2024 – Joy – ABCCM
Joy in the Work of Restoration
Isaiah 11:1-9
"The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6)
Isaiah 11 paints a vision of a transformed world and points to the coming of the One who will bring the reign of peace and justice. All of creation will live in harmony at that time. This vision is sometimes known as the “Peaceable Kingdom.” Edward Hicks, a Quaker minister and painter, painted sixty-two versions of the “Peaceable Kingdom” representing the messianic prophecy. In one version, he depicted the 1820s split within the Society of Friends through a shattered tree trunk. The desire for peace is represented by the opposing predators and prey lying down in harmony. This vision is a promise of what God’s reign looks like – a place where differences are no longer a cause for conflict but an opportunity for community.
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) embodies this call to create glimpses of the Peaceable Kingdom on earth. Through their work providing shelter, food, and resources to neighbors in need, they break down barriers of division and build a community rooted in compassion. Whether it’s assisting veterans transitioning from homelessness, providing medical care through the Crisis Ministry, or ensuring families have access to food and clothing, ABCCM reflects the heart of Isaiah’s prophecy.
Rev. Chandler Carriker, ABCCM’s Church Engagement Officer said in early 2024 that “this congregation has distributed over 18000 prescriptions, you have served 263 men living through recovery, you have distributed 100 Bibles per month in Buncombe county jails, you have partnered with 91 veterans who are at risk of suicide, and you have met the needs of 9000 households in crisis.” The need for all of these things amplified after the storm.
In the aftermath of Helene, ABCCM was a leader in our community in its response and resources. Many of our congregation members volunteered at the warehouse on Brevard Road by receiving and sorting donations. Every day had a need for volunteers and there was always something to do. Today, recovery continues and ABCCM is always accepting helping hands. You can find ways to serve on their website.
In the season of Advent, we prepare for the coming of Christ, the "shoot from the stump of Jesse" (Isaiah 11:1), who brings this kingdom near. By partnering with organizations like ABCCM, we become part of this holy work. Each meal served, each warm bed offered, and each hand extended is a step closer to the world Isaiah envisioned—a world where the vulnerable are protected, and all have what they need to flourish.
Prayer: God of joy, You bring life from what is broken and hope from what is barren.
Thank you for the vision of Isaiah, a promise of restoration that sustains us in our struggles. We lift up the work of ABCCM, especially their efforts to rebuild communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Bless their hands and hearts as they restore homes and renew spirits. As we celebrate the joy of this Advent season, remind us that true joy is found in sharing your love and participating in your work of renewal. Strengthen us to be carriers of your joy
to those who need it most. In the name of Jesus Christ, the one who brings joy to the world, we pray. Amen.
Action: Find ways to serve with ABCCM in their crisis, homelessness, incarcerated, medical, and/or veterans ministry.
Isaiah 11:1-9
"The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6)
Isaiah 11 paints a vision of a transformed world and points to the coming of the One who will bring the reign of peace and justice. All of creation will live in harmony at that time. This vision is sometimes known as the “Peaceable Kingdom.” Edward Hicks, a Quaker minister and painter, painted sixty-two versions of the “Peaceable Kingdom” representing the messianic prophecy. In one version, he depicted the 1820s split within the Society of Friends through a shattered tree trunk. The desire for peace is represented by the opposing predators and prey lying down in harmony. This vision is a promise of what God’s reign looks like – a place where differences are no longer a cause for conflict but an opportunity for community.
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) embodies this call to create glimpses of the Peaceable Kingdom on earth. Through their work providing shelter, food, and resources to neighbors in need, they break down barriers of division and build a community rooted in compassion. Whether it’s assisting veterans transitioning from homelessness, providing medical care through the Crisis Ministry, or ensuring families have access to food and clothing, ABCCM reflects the heart of Isaiah’s prophecy.
Rev. Chandler Carriker, ABCCM’s Church Engagement Officer said in early 2024 that “this congregation has distributed over 18000 prescriptions, you have served 263 men living through recovery, you have distributed 100 Bibles per month in Buncombe county jails, you have partnered with 91 veterans who are at risk of suicide, and you have met the needs of 9000 households in crisis.” The need for all of these things amplified after the storm.
In the aftermath of Helene, ABCCM was a leader in our community in its response and resources. Many of our congregation members volunteered at the warehouse on Brevard Road by receiving and sorting donations. Every day had a need for volunteers and there was always something to do. Today, recovery continues and ABCCM is always accepting helping hands. You can find ways to serve on their website.
In the season of Advent, we prepare for the coming of Christ, the "shoot from the stump of Jesse" (Isaiah 11:1), who brings this kingdom near. By partnering with organizations like ABCCM, we become part of this holy work. Each meal served, each warm bed offered, and each hand extended is a step closer to the world Isaiah envisioned—a world where the vulnerable are protected, and all have what they need to flourish.
Prayer: God of joy, You bring life from what is broken and hope from what is barren.
Thank you for the vision of Isaiah, a promise of restoration that sustains us in our struggles. We lift up the work of ABCCM, especially their efforts to rebuild communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Bless their hands and hearts as they restore homes and renew spirits. As we celebrate the joy of this Advent season, remind us that true joy is found in sharing your love and participating in your work of renewal. Strengthen us to be carriers of your joy
to those who need it most. In the name of Jesus Christ, the one who brings joy to the world, we pray. Amen.
Action: Find ways to serve with ABCCM in their crisis, homelessness, incarcerated, medical, and/or veterans ministry.
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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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