From The Pastor’s Desk
From the Pastor’s Desk…
Jeremiah 33:14-16 14"'The days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15"'In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16In those days, Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.'
As we eagerly anticipate the start of this Advent season this coming Sunday, we open the memory books of our minds. Going from day to day, many of us have been overheard sharing stories from the past Christmas. Think back throughout the year to all the changes in your life. So many changes shape our lives, which helps secure our foundation of faith.
Throughout the changes from season to season, we can find comfort in the constant: ADVENT. Advent is the same year to year. Each Sunday of the Advent season, we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. We sing the same familiar songs, prepare our Christmas activity schedules, and decorate our church (which we will do this Sunday after church) and homes for the festive season. But no matter how often we sing a song, light a candle, or reflect on the holiday season, it is never just going through the motions. Advent is the greatest of all traditions, with many emotions. I hope you can create some beautiful memories during this amazing Christian faith tradition, for the tradition is old and rooted, but the memories can be new and a part of growth.
Let our prayer be: Lord, you knew if our greatest need had been for information, you would have sent us an Educator. If our greatest need had been for money, you would have sent us an Economist. If our greatest need had been for pleasure, you would have sent us an Entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so you sent us our Savior. Let us reflect on this profound truth and express our gratitude. Thank you, God, for knowing our greatest need! Amen.
With memories of yesterday and promises of tomorrow, today is full of hope.
Let Us Grow together with Christ,
Misty