Dear church family and friends,
December is here, and another Advent season has arrived. In just a few short weeks, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus and the coming of our Savior and Lord. In the meantime, what do we do? We worship, pray, and prepare. We decorate our houses and set our tables and open our hearts in wonder. We resist the all-consuming commercialism of our culture and make space for contemplation. We seek justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). In all this, we watch and wait for the coming of the King.
As we do, I want to invite you to trust, yet again, that this waiting time is not wasted time. As much as we want to rush the process and celebrate Christmas prematurely, God is up to something by inviting us into this time of anticipation. Just think of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, or crying out in exile. Think of Elizabeth and Zechariah, John the Baptist, and – of course – Mary and Joseph. Think of those shepherds, keeping watch over the flocks by night. The hope, peace, joy, and love of God’s people is always forged in the crucible of waiting.
I hope you will take a look at our church calendar and website. There are wonderful things taking place in the life of our congregation, and you are welcome to get involved in any of them. (If you need help, just let me know.) Together, let’s recommit ourselves to walking the dusty road of discipleship, trusting that Jesus was, is, and always will be leading the way.
Yours,
Blake
“As his sheep, we have been given a bountiful lot of prosperity and protection… What does this look like? We might imagine a herd of docile sheep resting freely under a shady tree as he stands with staff in hand, ensuring total serenity in his care. His peace ushers eternal shalom into every avenue of life.”
- from The Eternal King Arrives: Journeying Through Advent with Our Humble and Mighty Savior (our Advent devotional guide this year)
