Waiting in the wilderness can be tough.

John the Baptist didn’t know about Advent, but he knew about waiting. In today’s Gospel reading, the prophet is in a prison cell, waiting to die a hideous death. He knows about Jesus – a distant cousin – and has prophesied that Jesus is the Messiah that God has promised.

But in that prison cell, doubts have crept in: Is Jesus really “the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” John had lived in the freedom of the wilderness, so he is familiar with the waiting that comes before a life-giving rain. How much longer, Lord, do I have to wait?

James, one of Jesus’ original followers, wrote to early Christians with the same question: How much longer do we have to wait? James doesn’t know, but he counsels them, “Be patient, beloved, until the coming of the Lord.”

“The desert shall rejoice and blossom!” – Isaiah 35:1

We might feel like we are in a wilderness in our lives. But Isaiah reminded believers then, and us now, of the lavish abundance that is ours when that holy rain finally comes.

At PEACE, we celebrate Advent by reflecting on God’s promises and trusting God will fulfill them “in the fullness of time.” Please rejoice and bloom with us!

Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.

Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:46b-55 (The Magnificat!); James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11

Coming up at PEACE

  • Children’s Christmas program – TODAY during the 11 a.m. worship service.
  • Free Mini-Concerts – 5 p.m. Wednesdays starting Nov. 30. Get relief from the Christmas rush! These half-hour concerts will help you keep your focus on the true meaning of the season. This Wednesday features Thom Greathouse on the organ, with selections played by a local recorder ensemble. Holden Evening Prayer follows at 5:30 p.m. If you’ve never experienced this moving, musical creation, please take this opportunity – you will leave uplifted!
  • Christmas Eve Choir – Love to sing? Be a part of our Christmas Eve Choir – just two rehearsals, both at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. We’ll sing at the 4 pm Christmas Eve service. The music is from “Candles and Carols” – arrangements of familiar Christmas carols with narration of the Nativity. Call the church office at (530) 273-9631and ask for Myrna Heppe for more details.
  • More Coming Events Learn more about events at PEACE here.

Adult Bible Study

The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m., led by Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van. Stop in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!

Sunday School for children & youth

Christmas program! We are excited to bring our message of hope to our congregation. Our last rehearsal is this morning during Sunday School time – and you can still be a part of our short-but-inspiring presentation! Our performance is during the sermon of the 11 a.m. worship service TODAY. All children are welcome to participate!

Meet in the Youth Room downstairs.

Youth @ PEACE is our all-ages Bible study, where young disciples learn the core stories of our faith and what it means to walk the Jesus Path. Bring your questions, doubts and challenges to God, the Bible and the Church – they are welcome here!

This fall, we have learned stories from the Old Testament. In January, we will shift to the New Testament. We welcome all who yearn to learn more about our loving, gracious Creator!

We start at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday, downstairs in the Youth Room. Young people of all ages are welcome!

Bible memory verses: Kids can earn Bible Bucks for verses they memorize and redeem them for cool prizes! Our goal is for young people to bring God’s word deep into their hearts, supporting a lifetime of faith.

Get Involved at PEACE!

Click here to learn how to get involved at PEACE Lutheran Church.