Advent Devotional: Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Illustrated by Oliver Bayer (Age 10)

As many have experienced in recent times (and likely some of you reading this Advent devotional), I was impacted by a workforce reduction in 2023 and spent a year finding my next job. It was wonderful to take a break after over 30 years of long hours and constant travel. It allowed me time to reflect, spend more time with my family, and go on a few trips, including the long overdue college graduation trip for my son to the Pacific Northwest. It was great to be able to spend quality time together hiking in Olympic National Park, touring museums, visiting Pike’s Market in Seattle, and having a couple of dinners with a high school friend. The scenery in Olympic and from our ferry rides around the Peugeot Sound was a constant reminder of God’s majestic power and beauty.

As I went through my job search, I reached out to old work connections, made new ones, and experienced just how difficult the job market is currently.  Thanks to the power of prayer from my church family and my friends outside of church, asking prior work friends for help and guidance, and being patient, I was able to find the perfect organization and team to work for in September!  Without great friends and prayer, I would have never found the job.  Now I’m back to missing a bunch of Wednesday bell and choir practices due to business travel. So special thanks to Zach and my fellow singers and ringers for your support and friendship. I cherish each opportunity we have together to worship the Lord in music.

As Christmas approaches, I think back on some of my fondest memories, which are many and hard to narrow to a few. Christmas in Indianapolis, IN, with my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins (with the occasional Christmas snow!). Christmas on Sanibel Island with our tiny Charlie Brown tree decorated with beach-themed ornaments. And of course, memories of music. Singing on Christmas Eve and Lessons and Carols at SMPC is an absolute blessing to be part of.  Going back to my childhood in middle Tennessee, I’ll always remember riding up into the mountains to The University of the South in Sewanee to attend a candlelight Christmas Eve organ and choir concert at All Saints Chapel, the reverberating music playing as a snowstorm began outside. And thanks be to God, that we made it safely down the mountain in that storm.

During Advent and into next year, I encourage you to lean on your church family, your friends, and ask for help and prayers when you are in need. I’m thankful for the help I received from many this year!

Dear Lord, remind us we are not alone this Christmas season. Help us to lean on you in time of need, praying for your guidance. And thank you for the friends in our lives, and future friends to come. Amen

David Kinsey

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