A Holy Threshold

As Advent begins, we enter a holy threshold between darkness and light shaped by longing, hope, and holy beginnings. Advent always starts with darkness — not to frighten us, but to help us notice the first glimmers of dawn that God is already stirring. We hear of some of this dawn imagery in this week's scripture reading--a holy threshold between night and morning, sleep and wakefulness, dark and light, war and peace. All of these dichotomies we face, God speaks through. Isaiah lifts our eyes toward a world where peace is learned and practiced instead of war. Paul urges us to wake up from the places where we’ve drifted into sleep. And Jesus reminds us that God arrives quietly, right in the middle of ordinary life so don't expect any big signs that will tip you off to his coming. Look to the story of Christmas and you see a Messiah born as foretold but not as imagined. As you dwell in these words, listen for what rises in you. Where do you feel the night? Where do you sense the first hint of morning? What part of your heart is ready for God’s light?

Isaiah 2:1–5 (NRSV)

1 The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.2 In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.3 Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.4 He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

Romans 13:11–14 (NRSV)

11 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers;12 the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;13 let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Matthew 24:36–44 (NRSV)

36 “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven nor the Son, but only the Father.37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark,39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man.40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left.42 Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

How to Dwell in the Word

1. Read the passage aloud, slowly. Let the words settle inside you.

2. Sit in silence for a moment. Notice a word, phrase, or image that tugs at your attention.

3. Read it again. Listen for what the Spirit might be highlighting.

4. Name what you heard. Share only the word or phrase that stood out, without explanation. (If alone, write it down.)

5. Wonder. Where does this word or image touch your life today? What might God be inviting you to see, release, or receive?

6. Close in gratitude. Thank God for whatever surfaced — comfort, clarity, challenge, or question.

Invitation to Worship

You are warmly invited to step into the season of Advent with us...a holy space of transition. Perhaps you are in that space of transition in life and you could use a place to be anchored? It can be difficult to find a church where you feel welcome as you are while also giving you the support you need to go where you feel God calling you. We are not here to tell you how to live but to share how Christ did so it can inspire us all together.

At The Reformed Church, you can come exactly as you are — no dress code, no expectations, and no offering plate passed during worship. Everyone carries different spiritual gifts, and all are welcome to be fully themselves without pressure or judgment. We are a Love First congregation, committed to creating space for God’s peace, grace, and belonging.

Join us for worship every Sunday at 9:30 AM — in person at 106 N. Chestnut, Scottdale, or online via Facebook Live. There is room for you here to wait, wonder, and walk in the light of the Lord.