This Week in Native American News (12/4/2020): National Parks, Short Films, & Supporting Native Art

In the Christian faith, the circle (or ring) represents the symbol of eternity and never-ending existence, as well as the everlasting and perfect love of God. The Advent wreath, with its five candles, represents the perfect gifts we receive from our Heavenly Father: faith, hope, joy, peace, and the unending love of God.

We wait for the Lord our God because He will reward our waiting with His gifts. Victory over sin and temptation, forgiveness that leads to eternal life, and a restored, permanent relationship with God and His promise to be with as always. But we need not spend any more time in the waiting room. It is all yours today through faith in Jesus.

At this time of the year, many churches offer a mid-week worship service as we anticipate Jesus’ birth and second coming. These services are often poorly attended, but our Lord invites us to accept with joy the invitation to come and worship him. God has done so many marvelous things, and when we consider all of what he has done it ought to be natural to say “Yes! Let’s go to the house of the LORD!”

Many families use Advent calendars to help children understand the concepts of faith and patience. With their 25 little numbered doors, pockets, or drawers, children countdown from December 1st to Christmas Day. These calendars can help people, not just children, grow in their anticipation of the day when we celebrate the first arrival of our long-promised Redeemer, God’s Son, Jesus.

Advent culminates at the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our blessing in disguise. This little baby born in a simple stable is actually God’s solution for our captivity to sin and the law. We are now able to focus on the new life and freedom given to us through faith in our Savior.

We can feel alone, even in a large family. We may feel overlooked by those we love, whether parents, siblings, or spouse. We miss those who have left us, in death or broken relationships. During the holiday season, many people struggle with depression and anxiety leaving them feeling even more alone. But we are never alone.

We can feel alone, even in a large family. We may feel overlooked by those we love, whether parents, siblings, or spouse. We miss those who have left us, in death or broken relationships. During the holiday season, many people struggle with depression and anxiety leaving them feeling even more alone. But we are never alone.

Jesus spoke the Parable of the Sower to teach us how important the state of our heart is to receive the Gospel and how our salvation is proved by our choices and actions after hearing the Gospel.

As you read these Advent devotions, I pray the stories of our efforts to prepare and repair the hearts of Native people to receive the Gospel will inspire, uplift, and sustain you.

Join us in prayers of Thanksgiving for our staff and the work they do in Native ministry!