Advent Day 23 – Love – Recovery Resources
December 23, 2024 – Love – Recovery Resources
Rebuilding through Christ
Colossians 1:15-20
“He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17)
“He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” These words from Colossians remind us that Christ is not only the creator but the sustainer of all creation. From the towering mountains to the smallest streams, all of creation finds its origin and purpose in God.
As we lit the Love Candle this week, we remembered that love is not just a sentiment but an active force. Love rebuilds, restores, and reconciles. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the devastation to our mountains could have left us in despair. Yet, love called us to act. Love gave us the courage to step into the brokenness and become instruments of restoration.
The mountains, scarred by landslides and floods, seemed beyond repair. Yet the same Christ who formed them also gave us the strength to rebuild them. Our work, as a church and community, became a reflection of the reconciling love of Christ described in Colossians. Through the efforts of organizations like the United Methodist Church’s Emergency Response Teams and countless volunteers, homes were repaired, roads cleared, and trees replanted. Each act of service was like a flame, rekindling hope and love in a landscape of loss.
Just as our community came together with faith, determination, and resources to recover from Hurricane Helene, we are also equipped to respond to other crises that challenge us. Whether it’s through our recovery care resources found on our website, support groups like Dementia Partners, or programs like Stephen Ministry, we remain committed to being a presence of healing and hope. From helping families navigate the aftermath of natural disasters to supporting those facing personal or financial struggles, we strive to embody Christ’s reconciling love in every situation. Our recovery efforts remind us that no matter the storm—literal or metaphorical—God’s love, working through God’s people, provides the strength and tools needed to rebuild and restore.
Prayer: Sustaining and Reconciling Christ, you hold all things together in love. As we light the Love Candle, we remember Your unwavering love for creation and for us. Thank You for calling us to be part of Your reconciling work in the world. We lift up the mountains restored after Hurricane Helene and the hearts that are laboring to make it possible. Bless the volunteers who worked tirelessly, the leaders who guided us, and the families who offered support and encouragement. Let their efforts shine as a reflection of Your love. This Advent season, teach us to embody the love that rebuilds and restores. May our lives be like the Love Candle—offering light, warmth, and hope to all who see it. In Your holy and loving name, we pray. Amen.
Action: Commit to an act of love for someone in need today. Look to the New Year and decide how you will incorporate love into your daily life.
Colossians 1:15-20
“He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17)
“He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” These words from Colossians remind us that Christ is not only the creator but the sustainer of all creation. From the towering mountains to the smallest streams, all of creation finds its origin and purpose in God.
As we lit the Love Candle this week, we remembered that love is not just a sentiment but an active force. Love rebuilds, restores, and reconciles. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the devastation to our mountains could have left us in despair. Yet, love called us to act. Love gave us the courage to step into the brokenness and become instruments of restoration.
The mountains, scarred by landslides and floods, seemed beyond repair. Yet the same Christ who formed them also gave us the strength to rebuild them. Our work, as a church and community, became a reflection of the reconciling love of Christ described in Colossians. Through the efforts of organizations like the United Methodist Church’s Emergency Response Teams and countless volunteers, homes were repaired, roads cleared, and trees replanted. Each act of service was like a flame, rekindling hope and love in a landscape of loss.
Just as our community came together with faith, determination, and resources to recover from Hurricane Helene, we are also equipped to respond to other crises that challenge us. Whether it’s through our recovery care resources found on our website, support groups like Dementia Partners, or programs like Stephen Ministry, we remain committed to being a presence of healing and hope. From helping families navigate the aftermath of natural disasters to supporting those facing personal or financial struggles, we strive to embody Christ’s reconciling love in every situation. Our recovery efforts remind us that no matter the storm—literal or metaphorical—God’s love, working through God’s people, provides the strength and tools needed to rebuild and restore.
Prayer: Sustaining and Reconciling Christ, you hold all things together in love. As we light the Love Candle, we remember Your unwavering love for creation and for us. Thank You for calling us to be part of Your reconciling work in the world. We lift up the mountains restored after Hurricane Helene and the hearts that are laboring to make it possible. Bless the volunteers who worked tirelessly, the leaders who guided us, and the families who offered support and encouragement. Let their efforts shine as a reflection of Your love. This Advent season, teach us to embody the love that rebuilds and restores. May our lives be like the Love Candle—offering light, warmth, and hope to all who see it. In Your holy and loving name, we pray. Amen.
Action: Commit to an act of love for someone in need today. Look to the New Year and decide how you will incorporate love into your daily life.
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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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