# A Melody of Hope – Watching for God
*2008-11-30*

> Bill Young introduces Rev. James Field’s Advent reflections, focusing on the first Sunday’s theme “Watching for God” and shares a moving story of hope that inspires us to open our hearts this Advent season.

## Introducing the Advent Book

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, and my wife gave me a small devotional called *Advent 2008: A Melody of Hope* by Rev. James Field. It contains daily reflections, responses, and prayers for the season. I thought I’d read the entries for you, so we can all enter Advent together and discover the true meaning of Christmas.

## Watching for God

The first Sunday’s theme is titled “Watching for God.” A single word jumps out of the Gospel reading: “watch.” Some people mistake this for watching for death, but the intention is a general openness to notice God’s presence breaking through our ordinary lives. We never know when that moment will arrive.

## A Story of Hope

An obituary I read this morning reminded me of that breakthrough. It told the story of Myra Burm‑Benn, a survivor of the Langbringery concentration camp. One day Jacob Burm‑Benn, a prisoner, caught a glimpse of Myra on the other side of the barbed wire. Their eyes met, and they shared a spontaneous dance, singing a joyful melody that breathed hope into Jacob’s soul. After the war they married, immigrated to the United States, and Myra spent her life singing. Rather than cling to the memory of unspeakable suffering, she chose to salute the gift of life—a wonderful example of hope.

## Choosing Hope This Advent

This Advent, no matter how rough your journey has been or how circumstances threaten to overwhelm you, give yourself over to hope. The reflection asks us to consider where we will watch for God’s presence.

## A Simple Advent Prayer

When you light your Advent candle tonight, turn down the lights, turn off the TV, and for as long as you can, just watch and wait in prayer:

“Loving God, interrupt my routine. Shake me from my slumber. Help me to delight in being your image of glory and to sing for joy.”

*Advent invites us to pause, watch for God’s unexpected appearances, and let hope transform our hearts.*