Good morning:
Have you put up an Advent tree in the living room or hung an Advent wreath on the door? Are you looking for just the right Advent presents for family and loved ones? Sent out Advent cards yet? Probably not. Our thoughts during these pre-Christmas weeks are often laser-focused on Christmas itself. As a result, Advent isn’t given much attention. It becomes a non-event in the lives of many.
Yet the four-week season of Advent is worth observing. It is not just a time to bake cookies, send cards, and buy presents. It is more than a countdown to Christmas. It is an important time to prepare for Jesus’ coming into the world by remembering why he came. The true joy of Christmas comes from first recognizing our desperate need for a Savior. Isaiah says, “All people are like grass…The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them” (Is. 40:6-7). By nature we have no spiritual life or hope, no reason to celebrate. We deserve the fiery breath of God’s judgment. To prepare for Christmas is to examine our own hearts and say with David, “Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? (Ps. 130:2-3).
Don’t miss Advent. Let’s take time in these coming weeks to search our hearts and to reflect on our words, actions, and thoughts. We will see that “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Is. 64:6). Let us, without excuses, confess our unworthiness to God. Then the promise of a coming Savior from sin and death becomes incredibly meaningful. Don’t miss Advent.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Our service tomorrow begins at 9 a.m. The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated. Missionary Bruce Naumann will be our guest speaker. Christmas Eve rehearsal and Bible class follow the service. Pastor Naumann will also be leading Bible class.
