Wonderful readings by Sandy Kuiper and Cheri Ryken with lighting of the second candle of Advent. 
This past week we celebrated our second week of Advent PEACE…

Picture a man named Abraham. He was 75 years old and married to Sarah, who was also well along in years. They had been married for a lifetime, yet they had no children. God came to Abraham in his old age and said, Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Let’s be clear: God was asking a lot of Abraham. “Leave everything you know and go to a place I will show you. Put your trust in me and I will bring you to a place that will someday be known as Canaan. I will make you a great nation! You don’t have any children yet, but just trust me, you will.”
Yes, God asked a lot of Abraham. But God promised Abraham even more. He promised descendants, blessings, and protection on the journey. God asked a lot, promised a lot, and Abraham had faith. As he embarked on this journey he put his trust in God. And God gave him peace. The peace that filled Abraham as he embarked on a very unknown, dangerous, and difficult journey is the same peace that God offers to us today in the midst of our unknown, dangerous, and difficult journey. God asks a lot, but he promises so much more. What peace!

Replay Sunday’s message “Tis The Reason For The Season-Jesus, Savior of Sin. www.hopechurchlowell.com/tis-the-reason-for-the-season-jesus-savior-from-sin-pastor-andy-wahlstrom