This Week: December 1st, 2024
Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming," invites Christians to reflect on the themes of waiting, preparation, and hope for the arrival of Christ. The First Sunday of Advent traditionally symbolizes hope, drawing from the Old Testament prophecies that foretold the coming of the Messiah. For Christians today, this hope remains central—anchored in the belief that Christ will return. Though the timing is in God's hands, it is not a matter to be taken lightly.
As Scripture urges in 1 Peter 3:15, we must always be ready to give an account for the "reason for our hope." This readiness is not just intellectual but demonstrated through lives reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). Yet, living out these virtues is often challenging, especially in a world where divisiveness, impatience, and unkindness can feel overwhelming—particularly during the Christmas season when tensions and demands seem to grow with each passing year.
In the face of such challenges, the call to "love your neighbor" feels increasingly difficult, yet this is precisely what God requires of us. Christ Himself modeled this love perfectly, even amid hatred, slander, and wrongful accusations. On the cross, He prayed for those who persecuted Him, asking God to forgive them. This extraordinary example reminds us that we cannot fulfill this calling in our own strength.
To truly love as Christ loved, we must surrender our self-centeredness and invite God to fill us with His Holy Spirit. When we live a Spirit-filled life, kindness, patience, and love become not just possible but an undeniable outpouring of God's work within us.
Let this Advent season be a time to call on God for renewal. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit so that your life reflects His grace and love. By doing so, we can show others the hope, love, and forgiveness that God has so generously shown us.
This Week's Worship Service
Tragedies and catastrophic events are always going to occur. Today’s scripture tells us that these things MUST happen and foretell the coming of Christ.
Luke 21:25-36
This Week's Church Sign Sermon
Inspirational wisdom can come from the simplest of things. So here we offer just a little Jesus as you drive by. We'd love to have you in for a visit.
Online Giving
Rockvale Cumberland Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce the opportunity for our church family and friends to tithe securely online. You can use your credit card, debit card or bank account to securely tithe a love offering or give to our church's ministries such as to our youth program or our building maintenance fund. You can also use the service's app on your Apple or Android device to give. If you chose to do so, you may also select the option to cover the fees the church is assessed for each transaction. Click the button below to make your offering and thank you.
Who We Are
Rockvale Cumberland Presbyterian Church has been a landmark in Rockvale Tennessee since 1889 at a simpler time when church was an integral part of the community. Church members were family that leaned on each other in times of struggle and celebrated together in times of joy. This spirit lives on in our diverse congregation bound together by a love for Christ and for one another. Our motto is simple, 'Whosoever will, is welcome - just as you are', in the manner as Christ said 'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.' We hope to see you this Sunday morning.
