Advent is a time for us to prepare ourselves mind, body, and spirit, for the birth and second coming of Jesus Christ. And sometimes Advent and Christmas preparation can feel like sheer chaos. Today, my office is filled with candy canes, bows, pine roping, and invitation cards, all purposed for the next two weekends Advent/Christmas Events. But even in the middle of what may seem like ordinary Christmas stuff is this unbelievable feeling in my heart that I am preparing for something, something extraordinary. And so I wonder what would it be like to spend the next four weeks really focused on a Advent and Christmas Season that transforms and changes the way we do life? I’ve spent the last several days praying over the Advent and Christmas story in the book of Luke, and what is amazing is that these stories, although they are so familiar, seem so new! I can’t believe the extraordinary work of God in ordinary people’s lives. So check it out: read Luke chapters 1-3. Take your time and savor each line. And experience the wonder of God’s work again.
Just a reminder this week: It is awesome to be part of a church family that celebrates Advent and Christmas in such a joy-filled, family friendly, community centered way. This week I hope to see you at the Delhi Christmas Parade on December 1 at 9:30am or watching our children tell the Secret of Snow Flake County during the Children’s Christmas Play on Saturday Night 5:30pm or Sunday Morning 11 am. And next week, December 8 we have the Live Nativity starting after Saturday Night Worship at 6:30pm-9:30pm and this year our No Strings Attached Puppet Ministry will be preforming at 7:30pm. It’s a great opportunity for parents to let their kids watch the puppet show as they pray through the Stations of the Crib. The Stations will be available to everyone Saturday from 10am to 9pm. These events are incredible ways to invite our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to experience the love filled ministry of Shiloh United Methodist Church!
This truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
Pastor Rachel
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