Christmas #4Waukegan - Sharing Hope

In this Advent season like no other, we lamented the loss of getting together as families and friends. Even so, we were grateful to God for His faithfulness and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Together, we shared hope #4Waukegan through artistic displays and acts of generosity.

Young adult, Joshua Brown, shared his artistic gifts to make an Advent themed display outside of the COVID testing lines. We included a prayer line number to opt-in for prayer support. Our hope is that as people are headed to get tested for COVID, they will be encouraged by the art and also reach out for prayer. Thank you Yvette Ewing and Ronnel Ewing for collaboration through the Hero Center!

Given the restrictions on gathering, we also decided to create “third spaces” individually through acts of love and generosity. The church teams shared acts of kindness in and for Waukegan by giving out gift cards, buying gas or groceries, or helping others with rent—all in the name of Jesus Christ. Mosaic Leadership team member, Linda Cannell, reflected on sharing hope:

In the midst of ordinary life, an angel appears: “Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you . . .

When paralyzed by doubt and uncertainty, an angel reassures and speaks a promise: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High . . . his kingdom will never end.”

In the midst of routine labors under a sky filled with stars, an angel appears: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” And multitudes of angel appear “praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’’

When hope seems lost. “Many women were there, watching from a distance. . . . Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph” –the mother of Jesus. Just when Gabriel’s promise from God now seems like dust and ashes, an angel appears: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said’ . . . Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.”

And now that thing has happened that even the angels long to look into: “In [God’s] great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:3-4, 12).

As you share gifts around Waukegan, may the hope of Jesus Christ abound in and through you.

Aaron Williams of Waukegan Baptist Bible Church blessing others in the name of Jesus