An Advent Message from Bp. Dillahunt

Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt southern ohio synod
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O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Advent is a season of waiting, watching, and hoping for Jesus, both remembering his arrival as a baby in Bethlehem and looking ahead to when Jesus will return.

This season is at odds with our want for instant responses, especially when we crave peace for the areas of our world experiencing conflict, healing for those battling illness, comfort for those living through the first holiday season after a loved ones’ death, shelter and food for those experiencing homelessness or food insecurity.

As we enter this season, God, help us focus our attention on what matters: The arrival of the Messiah, the Savior, the Redeemer of the world, who calls us to the still more excellent way of love, caring for and serving our neighbors across the world.

Let us join in prayer, using the words of
Come to Be Our Hope, O Jesus (All Creation Sings – #904)
Come to be our hope, O Jesus, come to set your people free.
From oppression, come, release us, grant us your true liberty.
Come release from every prison those who suffer in our land.
In your love we find the reason still to live and understand.

Come to build your new creation through the road of servanthood;
give new life to every nation, changing evil into good.
Come and open our tomorrow for your joyful reign so near.
Take away all human sorrow; give us hope against our fear.

The Synod Staff Team and I wish you a holy, hopeful, and hope-filled Advent. We give thanks for how we see God at work in and through each of you and how you are involved in your local congregations and ministries. May the God of peace be present with you throughout this season.

In Christ,
Bp. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt

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