Jesus gave life back to Lazarus. Lazarus came out of the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes. Jesus said to those nearby, "Loose him and let him go." I see our team as members of that crowd gathering around Jesus. He has given life back to Native men and women, and now we get to help them remove their grave clothes, their trauma and shame, so they can live life with Jesus, free and at peace.

We have the valiant champion, the strongest power, the Almighty on our side. As we get closer to Christmas Day, let us continue to remember who it is we are celebrating. It is not merely a baby in a manger, but the Savior himself in the flesh.

Jesus would come from Bethlehem, the house of bread, and the tribe of Judah. His mother would be Mary and His Father Yahweh in heaven. His name would denote His contribution to His people. Jesus, for He will save His people through the forgiveness of their sins.

As we await the second advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us remember that it is always more important to remember our identity is where we have come from, not what we have done.

There is one other family gathering that most choose to not attend. Each and every week the family of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, gather at one of God's houses. Creator God invites and welcomes one and all to gather together in order that they might receive good gifts from Him!

These gifts are offered at no cost to those who come. As a matter of fact, it cost Creator God His One and Only Son's life in order to keep the welcome mat out for you forever. You are invited to give to God, as a goodwill offering: your sorrow for His joy, your weakness for His strength, your sin for His righteousness.

May each of us be renewed this Advent season with a physical sense of joy and wonder. Like those of us in Fairbanks, and the northern villages, seeing a full day of sunshine after a very long winter, let us feel a physical sense of relief, as we remember that the light of the world has come down to us and redeems us. And let us bring that Light into every aspect of our lives to share it with those still living in darkness.

How did you get here? And why are you here? The answer to these two questions is simple. Because of Jesus!

Just like Sunday school, the answer is always Jesus.

Reading Micah’s prophecies is a challenge of endurance. Back and forth like a divine pendulum, the prophet alternates harsh words of condemnation for God’s rebellious children to tender appeals of comfort and restoration. It leaves the reader asking: Which is it? Mercy or wrath? Pardon or punishment?

In hope and trust, we turn to Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor.

Like a worldly counselor, he is available to advise and help us work out problems and feelings that may arise during the holiday season.

Unlike the human counselor, his answers and guidance, found in the Word, are extraordinary and perfect.

Advent is the season of waiting and looking forward to a celebration. Essentially, it is all about hope.

While hope is, generally, forward-focused, it can also mean looking back. Especially around Advent, we reflect on the goodness we have already received - the Savior born in the manger who died, was buried, and rose again - and let it help us to anticipate what is still to come - Jesus' mighty return.

So, God sayeth: "Go down, Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell all Pharaohs to
Let my people go"

We must be there to help our Native brothers and sisters find deliverance from the bondage of their past trauma and pain, so they can worship the Lord!