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Hear and Come

December 1, 2025

Deuteronomy 30:11-14|Psalm 19| Romans 10:8b-18| Matthew 4:18-22

It’s Advent! Come and journey from the dark to the glory of Christ’s birth, bringing light into the world. It never ceases to amaze me that the readings for Advent come together to show me a focus for that journey. Being God’s light for the world in a time that seems so dark and uncertain is certainly a challenge for any of us who prefer to be in the background.

Each Sunday for many, many years I hear these words spoken at the end of our scripture readings: “Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.”  Throughout the readings for today weaves the theme of God’s words and our response to them. For Moses, who apparently got up on the wrong side of the bed that day, God’s word was simple:

Hear it…Speak it…Do it

The Israelites’ behavior, hearing and expecting other people to bring God’s word to them instead of them acting on God’s word brought Moses to a point of major frustration. I am sure we have all been in that situation, frustrated when someone doesn’t appear to listen. Does God get frustrated with us when we listen but don’t hear?

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

Through the Psalm, nature itself declares the glory of God non-verbally with the world around us, giving us “light for the eyes.” Sometimes action speaks louder than words.  When was the last time we shared God’s word in our own lives. Are we light for each other?

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

Paul’s letter to the churches of Rome reminds them that faith is a result of believing, proclaiming, and obeying. Both Moses and Paul agree that God’s people have indeed heard God’s word even though their actions don’t show it.  We listen to God’s words many times in our lives. Do our actions speak of mercy, love, and peace. Are we living proof of God’s word?

Hm, I wonder how a letter to us would read.

Am I/are we listening?

Are we proclaiming God’s mercy for God’s glory (not our own)?

Am I/are we acting on God’s word, spreading grace and mercy as a community that is inclusive of all people regardless of financial status, ethnicity, physical ability, age?

Can our light be seen?

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

Advent challenges us to listen to God’s word, to Come and meet Jesus.

Jesus challenges us to speak the good news of God’s word, to Come and follow.

The Holy Spirit challenges us daily to act on God’s word, to Come and be God’s light for the world.

Simon and Andrew heard; they left it all and followed. Both led lives acting on God’s word, blessing others and growing in faith.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

This Advent, when Jesus says Come, may we answer with action as well as voice; may we be light for someone else.

Cindi Lovejoy

What you Hear