Dear Radiant,
Isn’t it remarkable that the Bible, which we hold to be the authoritative Word of God, gives us language with which we can bring our sorrow, doubts, and confusion to God?
In other words, in a stunning move, God himself provides the very words by which we can question God.
We call this language lament.
And though it may be a hard gift to receive, lament is a beautiful one.
The Christian psychologist Dan Allender writes:
“Christians seldom sing in the minor key. We fear the somber; we seem to hold sorrow in low esteem. We seem predisposed to fear lament as a quick slide into doubt and despair, failing to see that doubt and despair are the dark soil that is necessary to grow confidence and joy.”
So how do we practice lament? What does it mean to bring our sorrow to God?
The Bible provides us a rich grammar of lament—through many of the Psalms and through books of poetry. I mean, we even have an entire book titled Lamentations.
Biblical lament can be startlingly stark and, at times, almost devoid of hope. Yet this is what makes it powerful: the wide emotional vocabulary of Scripture speaks to the full range of human experience.
Certainly, in our own lives, we need not look far to discover many reasons for lament, both public and personal. Our souls cry out against injustice, and our hearts break over tragedies close to us and even within our own homes.
Friends, these hard circumstances are actually invitations. As Allender points out, the dark soil of lament is an opportunity for growth and transformation as we grow in relational honesty with ourselves and with God.
So this Advent, as we declare the hope of Jesus Christ, I wonder if it doesn’t really start with our lament.
The Advent light of Christ—and the hope we have in Him—shines all the brighter when we are honest about the darkness around us. More than that, lament can move us not only to cry out to God about the pain but to take meaningful, embodied action with Him.
So maybe this isn’t the happy-clappy message you wanted for the holidays. I’m sorry about that… but at least we’re being real.
Remember: it is in reality that we meet God. It is in reality and honesty that we begin to encounter a hope big enough for our tears.
A hope that has real scars—and yet lives.
See you this Sunday at 10 AM.
RADIANT EVENTS CALENDAR
12/1 – Frontier Ranch Camp Registration Opened
12/7 – Post service drinks and craft!
12/10 – Women’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC
12/24 – Christmas Eve Service 2PM
12/28 – No Sunday Gathering – Church at Home! 
ADVENT FUN!
During Advent we are going to be creating some space after service for folks to hang out enjoy some hot beverages. We’ll have some crafts and activities for all ages as well. Here’s what is coming up:
Dec 7 – Christmas swag or table deco and hot cocoa/cider
Dec 14 – Family crafts and card making
Dec 21 – Cookie decoratingRADIANT YOUTH 5:47PM THIS SUNDAYNote for this Sunday Night: It is a Boy’s Night and Girl’s Night (separate gatherings). Sign up for updates here.RADIANT MEMBERSHIP TOWNHALL Q & A: FOLLOW UP
We are beginning the church membership journey at Radiant. This last Sunday we shared about the process and fielded questions. There are some resources on our linktree — take a look. Also, if you are interested in attending our first membership class (likely late January) or have any questions, you can indicate here.
WOMEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY 6-7AMWe’ll meet at ELC at 6AM!
RADCOV KIDS SCHEDULE
There are some opportunities to serve in children’s ministry in 2026. Please contact Crystal Nicholson if God is leading you to explore serving in this area: (408) 802-7061COMMUNITY NOTES:
THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD!
Thank you for the food donations over the past few weeks to the Food Initiative of Greater Stanislaus County! The barrel was overflowing and we picked up this week!
KINGDOM COFFEE JOY DRIVE
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Stop by for delicious beverages at Kingdom Coffee (Oakdale and Orangeburg) this Advent and consider participating in their “joy drive” gift drive for children connected to Franklin Elementary Healthy Start.
SUPPORT FOR PEDRO GONZALEZ VISION TRIP TO NEPAL
Radiant’s Pedro Gonzalez will travel to Nepal in late January for a three-week vision trip focused on listening, learning, and spending time with mission workers who serve vulnerable communities. This trip also serves as a time of discernment as he seeks clarity on whether God is calling him to serve long-term abroad. Pedro is currently raising $3,500 for this trip; if you would like to support him, you can give at ajesusmission.org/pedrogonzalez or contact him at 209-495-1565 to learn more.
BAND APP
One way to connect at Radiant is to join our BAND APP group. Think of this as a sort of Radiant message board — our own little social media space. People can extend invites, share about needs and opportunities.
PRAYER
Join us for preservice every Sunday at 9am at MJC near the children’s ministry rooms.
GIVING
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry!
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Here’s the link to online giving.
Grace and Peace!
Zach
[email protected]
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
