Saturday, December 8, 2018

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

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Being on the Advent Book committee has its advantages – you get to pick what picture you want to write about! I chose this picture as it symbolizes the very substance of Advent—light breaking into darkness. As the morning’s daylight breaks through the sanctuary windows in this picture, light permeates the once darkened sanctuary.

This picture reminds me of the selected verse from Lamentations, “…new every morning are God’s mercies, love and faithfulness.” Amen and Amen.

As I write this, my family is still reeling with the news of Abby’s torn ACL—this time it’s her right knee (last year’s tear was on her left knee). When Eric and I visited with her yesterday at school (the University of Lynchburg), she told me about Claire, a graduate of the University of Lynchburg. Abby had met Claire just this past weekend through homecoming activities, and they became fast friends. Claire has an extreme digestive condition; she has to take medication every day, she endures painful medical procedures and even with that protocol, her life expectancy is just 35 years. With tears in her eyes, Abby said, “So Mom, I have nothing to complain about. An ACL can be repaired. Claire’s situation is much more serious.”

Light breaking in the darkness. God’s message of life, grace and hope articulated so clearly by an 18 year old whose dream of playing college basketball is postponed another year.

New every morning are God’s mercies. May you be reminded of them each and every morning this Advent.

Judy Oguich