Advent: When Storms Arise -Sunday, December 8

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Mark 4: 35-41

Isn’t this the truth? Everything is going great! Things are working out maybe even better than we planned. It's all smooth sailing, as they say. And out of nowhere, a storm hits.

I hear it again and again, "Where was God when this storm came upon us?”

Life in Native villages is beautiful but often mixed with unexpected tragedy, loss, and pain. And just like the disciples, we are left wondering where Jesus is and what he is doing in the back of the boat!

Jesus awakens in the storm. And with a word, He speaks peace. His presence creates faith.

Storms often take us by surprise. We seldom enjoy them, but the Lord uses the storm to remind us, through our baptism, he will never leave us or forsake us. That in his Word, we find him present. That his life becomes our peace even, and especially, in the storms of our lives.

Lord, we thank you for giving us eyes of faith in your presence and in the storms of life. We pray for the Native people, and all peoples, and thank you for appearing to us in your Word and Sacraments in this stormy world. Amen.

Rev. Dave Sternbeck (Nuu-Chah-Nulth)
port angeles, Washington

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Advent: Goodwill to Man -Monday, December 9

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Advent: Reflecting on the Journey - Friday, December 6