Advent

Advent (ad-vent) - noun 1: arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)

In bed on Christmas Eve, I looked out the window, stared at the ceiling, and listened for activity outside my door. There was no way I could sleep. I had waited all year, and now the moment was only hours away. If I got out of bed, Santa would give my presents to someone else, so I remained tucked under the covers. That is, until my two older brothers who had no regard for the rules came to tell me we had hit the jackpot. Three bicycles! My long awaited dream had come true.

The Jews had a different dream, one of a promised Messiah who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of his arrival, men prophesied, people prayed, and Satan trembled. The government was to rest upon his shoulders, and nothing would be the same. Generations passed, and people still waited, anticipating the day when our savior would be born. Finally, the moment came when angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

This year, we ministered to more than 800 students and adults. Many experienced the advent of Christ in their heart for the first time. The staff is thankful for what God has done and looks forward to even greater opportunities in 2007. People everywhere need an authentic encounter with God, and we want to do our part to make that happen.

Welcome Steven!

I can remember as a 7th grader being on a camping trip with my church in the Ozark Mountains. I had gotten up early in the morning to watch a sunrise, maybe for the first time in my life. Sitting on White Rock Mountain enjoying a quiet morning alone with God in his creation, I was moved profoundly by the things I saw. Arkansas is tough to beat in the fall as the leaf’s change turning everything to orange, gold and red. Everything around me screamed of His handiwork. As I watched the fog weave through the valley and eventually lift, I noticed an area across the valley that had been clear cut by a lumber company. The sight of emptiness where majestic trees had once stood impacted not only my eyes, but more importantly my heart.

My young mind was eager to draw theological parallels to what I saw. The joy and fullness of life that God intends is slowly being “clear cut” leaving us empty and vulnerable.

That camping trip was the first time I noticed God’s fingerprints in the trees, rocks and clouds. Since then I have experienced countless encounters with God that have shaped my life while in Nature. I will get to those another time. For now let me say that I have never been more acutely aware of God’s presence than when immersed in His Creation. Go outside. Spend some time in nature’s solitude. You will be amazed.

I am very excited to be coming on to Compass Wilderness’ full time staff. I have shared many experiences with some of you who will read this, and it is my vision to share these types of experiences with so many more people. Let’s go climbing!

Steven Charles