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Kari Christianson

12/21/2020

 
“Lord of All Hopefulness” ELW #765
 
For me, Advent has been time in the liturgical year that’s too busy to appreciate fully. End of semester tests and papers to write, Christmas programs to memorize, gifts to buy and wrap, budgets and annual reports to finalize – all due during December. And yet, Advent calls us to put aside some of our busyness and be calm.
 
Isn’t this a good year to take time for calm remembrance of the past and anticipation for the future when we can all see one another in-person again? I definitely want to remember the joys of family and church gatherings and the hopefulness of all the times of being together to come. I want to remember visiting my grandmother in the nursing home and hearing my mother singing “Jeg er så glad hver julekveld” (ELW #271). I want to remember my dad calling me up to recite my Christmas program Bible verse for the congregation he was serving in interim. (No warning; it was kind of a trauma!) I want to remember all the drives to my parent’s home with our dog bouncing around in my lap in joyous expectation of the treats to come. I want to remember Dinner Church and church council meetings that close with all holding hands in prayer.
 
The hymn “Lord of All Hopefulness” has been my unending earworm these past months. The words of this hymn lead us to a calm assurance throughout the day. Hopefulness and joy, eagerness and faith, kindliness and grace, gentleness and calm, God’s bliss, God’s strength, God’s love, God’s peace – all these words help us recognize our relationship with God. We just have to allow ourselves to take a breath, listen, be calm and live in the hopeful promise of our Lord to be with us always.
 
Loving Lord, you know our fears and weaknesses in all days. Lead us to the hopefulness and the joy of celebrating the birth of Christ. Help us to be the hopeful and faithful people that your presence offers us so freely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
​

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    To the Writers

    of this devotional: 
    thank you for sharing 
    the stories from 
    your Advent and 
    Christmas journey.

    Your  courage 
    is a blessing 
    to others 
    and we pray you 
    will be blessed 
    by this as well.

    With gratitude,
    Pastor Nathan Mugaas and Intern Pastor Jeremy Hallquist

    Categories

    All
    Barbara Burandt
    Bob Burtness
    Cedric And Marlys Olson
    Conni Natwick
    Ellie Hallquist
    Jean Cook
    Jeremy Hallquist
    Jim Hecker
    John Natwick
    Karen Maher
    Kari Christianson
    Kari Osmek
    Linda Nielsen
    Lisa Sampson
    Lorie Schulstad-Werk
    Milo Christianson
    Myron Grams
    Pastor Nathan Mugaas
    Paula Donnelly
    Ron Stricker
    Ruth Lemke
    Sarah Chur
    Vicki Simpson

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  • Welcome
    • I'm New Here >
      • What we Believe
      • Our Story
    • Worship Times & Locations
    • ERLC Staff
    • LGBTQ+ Affirming >
      • Shower of Stoles Project
  • Worship
    • Sermons and Bulletins >
      • Binge the Bible
    • Baptism
    • Funerals
    • Podcasts
  • Give
  • LIFE Groups
  • Ministries
    • Children, Youth, and Family Ministry >
      • Confirmation High School Schedule
    • Adult Ministries
    • Caring Faith
    • Music Ministries
    • Mission Endowment Fund
  • Updates
    • ERLC Council >
      • Council Minutes and Annual Reports
    • ERLC Current Magazine
    • Calendar
    • Call Committee
    • Building Project Updates
    • Capital Appeal
  • Events
  • Contact Us
    • Prayer Requests
    • ERLC Staff
    • Forms >
      • Room Use Form
    • Elk River Lutheran "Powered By Love" Merchandise
    • Severe Weather Policy