Advent 2024

Day 22 – Brother

Dear Jesus,

How are You and our Father doing? I miss You A LOT big brother! It is simply not the same without You. There’s a lot of us that are sick, hungry, addicted, treated unfairly, broken-hearted, unforgiving, and just unloving.

The other day, I was talking with my friend Lupita about the young girls who are trafficked for sex in San Bernardino and LA Skid Row. Jesus, I know You see them with compassion, tenderness, and love. In Sabbath School, we prayed for them. Jesus, I know You would do more. I’m embarrassed to tell You that I have no clue what to do with all the poverty that is around me.

Jesus, I don’t know how to love unconditionally like You did. I have sent a lot of prayers with the Holy Spirit asking You for guidance, reconciliation, forgiveness, wisdom, discernment, and unconditional love. I know You have heard my repeated messages. Are You responding and I’m just not seeing it? During this Sabbath morning’s sermon Pastor Iki said, “God is working even when we don’t see it.” So, as Your little sister, I thank You for gently leading me from the point of not even noticing it.

I did get the message of “Well done, good and faithful servant.” When I saw the hummingbirds, it was pretty amazing how You used my morning devotional to speak to me. I also enjoyed the stars at Warner Springs Campground while camping with the Pathfinders. They were miraculously gorgeous! I praise You for making that specific day and time just perfect in my life. When You created and named the stars, You definitely knew how much we would enjoy them.

Before I forget, Your joy and sense of humor was definitely noticed during our song service while camping. Nadia and Ainsley had the Pathfinders sing “Making melodies in my heart.” That was definitely fun, brought a lot of smiles, and made a lot of us laugh. Everyone there danced and enjoyed just being silly. Were You rolling over laughing with our Father when You saw us?

My loving brother, what is the progress on our dwelling place? Have You and our Father, come up with Your return date? Because it’s bad down here. Have You seen how much war, slavery, broken families, and just ugliness is going on? I’m sure the angels have reported what’s happening. We’re in need of You, Jesus, to come!

Yes, there’s definitely still joy, love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. However, it is not the same as it is in heaven or the new earth where there is no more tears, pain, sorrow and death.

My saving brother, thank You for dying on the cross for me. I continue to hope, have faith, and wait on Your soon return. I can hardly wait to see my dwelling place because I know we’ll finally be together as a family forever. Sending lots of hugs and kisses to You and our Father.

Smile,

Sarai


Sarai Kaller is the mother of Israel (16 years old) and Nathan (17 years old), and serves as associate director of Pathfinders and the Teen Leadership Training coordinator.