Advent Week 4: Love As The Foundation of Generous Giving

In this final week of Advent, we reflect on love as the foundation of generous living. Advent means “coming” or “arrival,” a season that invites us into waiting, trust, and preparation as we remember the long hope for the Messiah fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Centered in Matthew 1:18–25, we witness Joseph’s quiet obedience, courage, and compassion. His love becomes an embodied act of generosity that makes room for God’s presence with us. As we wait together this season, we are invited to practice generous living marked by curiosity, gratitude, and openness to the movement of the Spirit. May this reflection guide us to receive Emmanuel, God with us, and to let love shape how we live and give.

What if today we hear John’s call—Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near—not as a threat of impending condemnation, but as an invitation? Listen in as we consider that repentance is not primarily about fear, but about embracing a way of being that reflects what Jesus is about.

In Week 1 of Advent, we reflect on the theme of Hope and the invitation to ground our generosity in God’s own generous heart. For generations, God’s people waited for the promised Messiah, and in Jesus’ arrival we see the fullness of God’s faithfulness, abundance, and love.Advent means “coming” or “arrival,” and during this season we take on a posture of waiting, preparing, and paying attention. This year, we’re exploring the spiritual practice of Living Generously, a way of life that cultivates curiosity, gratitude, and openness to the movement of God’s Spirit.Join us as we begin the Advent journey by considering how hope shapes generosity, and how generous living helps us embody the good news of Jesus in tangible ways.

On today’s episode, we explore Isaiah’s vision of God’s “Peaceable Kingdom”, a world renewed, restored, and made whole by God’s peace. Join us as we imagine the future God invites us to hope for and embody today.

Join Pastor Keeyon for a thoughtful and transformative episode as he guides us through “The Top 10”, a self-evaluative exercise designed to help Jesus followers identify and examine the primary voices shaping their worldview.This reflective practice challenges us, just as the Apostle Paul encourages, to pursue unity through the bond of peace, learning to listen, understand, and build bridges with those outside our usual circles of influence.You won’t need any special materials—the exercise can be done anywhere, but for your convenience, we’ve provided a printable version of The Top 10 graphic.Participate in the full exercise this Sunday on the Wellington Heights Community Church YouTube page , or listen anytime on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.We’d love to hear what you discover through this reflection!Share your insights: [email protected]For deeper conversation or to learn more about the vision of Embodiment Sunday: [email protected]

Join us as Pastor Keeyon shares a powerful message from Luke 19:1–10 (CEB), the story of Zacchaeus, a man who climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus, only to find himself seen, known, and called by name. This episode invites us to reflect on what it means to be truly noticed by God and challenged to welcome His presence into every part of our lives.

On today’s episode, Pastor Keeyon’s message highlights Luke 18:1-8, CEB. Jesus was telling them a parable about their need to pray continuously and not to be discouraged. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him, asking, ‘Give me justice in this case against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused but finally said to himself, I don’t fear God or respect people, 5 but I will give this widow justice because she keeps bothering me. Otherwise, there will be no end to her coming here and embarrassing me.” 6 The Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he be slow to help them? 8 I tell you, he will give them justice quickly. But when the Human One comes, will he find faithfulness on earth?”

Join pastor Keeyon as he leads us in the ancient practice of Lectio Divina

On Embodiment Sunday you are invite to engage in the sacred practice of Lectio Divina- an ancient practice that can help us slowly and prayerfully attend to and respond to Scripture. Check out the podcast to be guided in four postures of Lectio Divina on Embodiment Sunday. Read (or in our context - listen to the text!)Reflect upon the text and any words/phrases that stand out to you and why these may catch your attention and what feelings or thoughts surfaced. Allow time for the text to sink deeply into your soul!Respond by offering anything that rises up to God and listen for any inner nudging Rest in God’s loving presence and consider how you may return to God’s word throughout the day ahead

Join Alice Murray, Pastor of Care & Hospitality at FaithLife Church in Cedar Rapids as she dives into Luke 17:5-10.