Welcome to the New Year!
This Sunday is when the season of Advent begins and
we enter a new year in the church. The word Advent means "coming" or
"arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the
birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the
return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Advent is the four weeks
leading up to Christmas Eve. It starts on the 4th Sunday away from Christmas
Eve.
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and our
lives for Jesus' second coming. But at times it can be hard to remember that
there is a season on Advent, since the world around us is ready for Christmas.
There are all sorts of signs that tell us Christmas is near - lights on houses,
wrapped packages, Christmas music, and television specials are just a few.
Sometimes we concentrate so hard on those things that we miss the message that
God sends us in the waiting days of Advent. As we continue to prepare for the
birth of Jesus, I hope you will ask yourself, "Where is God leading me and
my family this Advent season?"
Maybe your family is being drawn to do community
service together or to volunteer for something at church? Maybe God is leading
you to give your family members the gift of your time and attention rather than
gifts? Wherever God is leading you and your family this season I pray that you
are willing to follow and to truly enjoy the season of Advent before we
celebrate Christmas.
Peace,
Lauren+
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