Philippians 1:3-6
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

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Paul writes these words to his close friends at Philippi, memories of their time together are what sustain him…their shared work of the gospel.

This Advent, you and I are making different memories. Yes, the world seems a little colder and people are angry and confused and tired. Our lives have changed as well. We’ve lost some of our innocence, and our belief that justice and truth will prevail has taken a beating. Even our memories are tinged with sadness. We look back and remember the people who no longer gather with us around the tree at Christmas. We search for the certainty we once had about our purpose and place in the world. We long for a simpler, sweeter time.

And that is what Advent reminds us of, a time deeper than our time. A time beyond time. We remember “a people who walked in darkness, all those who were living in a land of deep darkness.” It was on them and on us that a great light has shined. Into a time of anger and loss and fear, a child was born. A child that was love and hope and light. And we remember his name – Emmanuel - God is with us.

-Rev. Ellen Robison

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As you look back on your year, what are the memories that will sustain you, even in the darkest of times?

What memories will you create in the upcoming year to remind you that God is with us?

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This episode was written and recorded by Ellen Robison. It was produced by Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and An Expression of Gratitude by David Schwoebel and performed by the Myers Park UMC choir.

Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to download the 2018 Advent devotional and to listen to more episodes of Be Still and Go.