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    • Preschool News
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    • WPCP Staff
    • Parent Handbook
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    • Parent Advisory Board
    • Forms
    • Preschool Contacts
  • New To Us
    • New to Us?
    • Vision 2020
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Driving Directions
    • Campus Map
    • Gallery
    • WPC Calendar
  • Services
    • Sunday Services
    • Sermons
    • Liturgy
    • Weddings
    • Memorials
  • Mission
    • WPC Scholarships
    • Neighborhood
    • World
  • Get Involved
    • Children >
      • Children in Worship
      • Infant & Toddler Care
      • KFC
      • Vacation Bible Camp
      • Upcoming Events
      • Service Opportunities
      • C&FM Contacts
    • Student Ministries >
      • Senior Youth Fellowship
      • Junior Youth Fellowship
      • Student Ministries Forms
    • Adult Ministries >
      • Adult Bible Studies
      • Adult Christian Formation
      • Ministry & Service Groups
    • Music
  • Contact

​Third Sunday in Advent, December 12

Advent Devotional Sunday, December 12th, 2021
Advent Artwork_AdventDevotional_1920x1080.png

~ Sunday, December 12th, 2021 ~

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

    there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

    and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

    with justice and righteousness

    from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

 will accomplish this.

-- Isaiah 9:6-7

Over the years I’ve learned to answer some of the more difficult theological questions I’m asked with, “well, God’s God, and I’m not…so I don’t have all the answers. What do you think of _______?” It’s not that I aim to shy away from difficult theological issues. In fact, in the right setting, I thoroughly enjoy them. I just believe, at some point, we have to accept that we can’t have all the answers. 


Some of the more challenging questions around Christianity often involve the trinity. How can God be THREE in ONE? If each person has distinct roles, doesn’t that make them different? And, why do we call the three entities “persons” if they weren’t all really people? Some of my favorite moments in seminary were debating these questions, and I’m not sure I have more complete answers today than I did then. 


Of the four titles we’re looking at in Isaiah this Advent season, Everlasting Father is the most difficult for me to grasp…because of questions around the trinity. If God is Father, Jesus is Son, and the Holy Spirit is…the Holy Spirit (or my favorite out of John, the advocate), then why do we include “Everlasting Father” in the story about Jesus’ birth? 


I wish the answer was simple (and we’ll unpack possible answers in church today!). However, Jesus took on the role of a parent over and over again for his followers. He noticed them, cared for them, looked out for them, stood up for them…all roles that a good parent fulfills. The name Everlasting Father takes the image of a grandiose and mighty king, and makes it personal. God cares for you.


Today, I’d encourage you to reflect on that reality. You are loved. The creator of the universe is looking out for you. God —three-in-one, who has all the answers — cares for you. 


Journeying with you,

Pastor Dave 

Westminster Presbyterian Church
​32111 Watergate Road
Westlake Village, CA 91361
p: 818-889-1491
f: 818-889-7132
info1@wpcwestlake.org

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