It is amazing to me how Christmas seems to get earlier and earlier every year. Wal-Mart was converting the Garden Center to “Santa Land” before the Halloween decorations were taken down. In Hillsboro this past Spring I walked into a store at the Mall and they already had their Christmas decorations out (OK they are a Christmas store but you get my point.) Any way you want to look at it, Thanksgiving is upon us and the Christian year is coming to a close. Between this Sunday and next Sunday we will celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends and families then we will return to church as Advent begins. Decorations will be going up, trees will be decorated, and “Christmasy” songs will be sung. But most of all, we will spend a month celebrating the coming of Christ into our lives.
Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year. Like Lent, it is a time of reflection and preparation. Like New Years Eve, it is a time of resolutions and changes. This year I hope you will begin reflect on what you might want to change. Maybe you know that you could be more regular at church. Maybe you could be more consistent with your giving. Maybe God has been calling you to start a new ministry here in the community. Maybe you haven't completed something you know you need to do... and the list goes on.
This year, may Advent be a time to prepare our hearts and lives for the coming of Christ. May we expect something great to happen in our community, in our church, in our homes, and in our lives as we prepare for the coming of our King.
Peace and Grace, J