The Certainty of the Promise

It is hard to believe that it is the fourth Sunday in Advent this week. But that also means a time of feasting. I do hope you come early for our Christmas Brunch. I promise you it will be good.What does it mean to “promise” anything? It means that we are giving our word that unless providentially hindered, I will do the thing that I said I would. We can’t live without promises. Humanly speaking, the greatest joy of my life is built on a promise. Teri and I vowed we would always love each other. That promise was just about the best thing I ever did. A lot of people make the same promises but it doesn’t work out.In the fallen world in which we live, we can never be certain if we can keep our promises. A good friend of mine, Jason Terhune (who used to be a member of this church), was just ordained to the priesthood in the Anglican church. He sent me an invitation to his ordination and I wish I could have attended, but Wisconsin is a long way to go! Anyway, on the very formal invitation it began with: “God willing.” That is about right, every single promise you and I make is conditional, we will do this “God willing.”Advent is the promise that you can build your life on! Advent is the promise that gives meaning to suffering, gives hope to the afflicted, and gives confidence to those who wander. The promise of Advent is not like any promise ever made, and it is so certain and so large that it colors everything in our life. Don’t you want to lay hold of a promise that good? This Sunday, after we feast together, we will talk about it. Hope to see you there.Blessings,Jim