On the first Sunday of Advent, Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC gathered to begin the season of watching and waiting, a time of expectation and trust in God’s promises. The Advent wreath’s first candle, symbolizing hope, was lit as a reminder that even in uncertainty, God’s faithfulness remains.
The service focused on the role of biblical prophecy, particularly through the words of Jeremiah and Luke. Jeremiah’s message, delivered in a time of national distress, proclaimed that a righteous branch would rise from David’s line, bringing justice and peace. Meanwhile, Luke’s Gospel, written after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, urged believers to remain awake and alert in faith, even in the face of turmoil.
The sermon explored the nature of prophecy—not as a prediction of future events, but as an invitation to see God’s presence in the present. Like the people of ancient Israel, we too live in a world of uncertainty, longing for security and stability. Yet, Advent reminds us that hope is not passive—it is active trust in God’s movement, even when the way forward is unclear.
The congregation was encouraged to embrace watchful faith—to look beyond distractions, listen for God’s voice, and prepare their hearts to receive Christ in unexpected places. As we move through this season, we are invited to lean into the waiting, knowing that hope is already here.
