”Third Sunday In Advent” - Deacon Cindy Miller

"If God is real, why is there suffering?" It is perhaps the most common question asked by believers and non-believers alike. In this Advent sermon, we explore the tension of living in the "now and not yet"—waiting for the full restoration of the Kingdom while navigating the darkness of the current world. We look to the story of John the Baptist, who, despite his faithfulness, found himself in prison questioning if Jesus was truly the Messiah. By examining Jesus’ response to John, and sharing a moving testimony of finding grace in the midst of tragedy, we discover that rejoicing isn't about ignoring pain. Instead, it is a spiritual gift—a choice to "look up" and recognize how God is working, even when life doesn't go according to plan. Scripture References: Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 Connect with Holy Trinity Silicon Valley: Website: https://www.holytrinitysv.org Instagram: @HolyTrinitySV Facebook: @HolyTrinitySV