Ready or Not …

Are you ready for the coming of Jesus?  Jesus came to earth the first time some two thousand years ago.  It’s what we celebrate every Christmas season as we remember Christ’s birth.  And, Jesus promised to come again at the end of time to ‘judge the living and the dead’ and establish his perfect reign over all the earth.  Jesus came to earth the first time to commence his Kingdom.  Jesus will return the second time to complete his Kingdom.  Are you ready for the advent of Jesus?

Ready or not ... this coming Sunday, November 30, is the beginning of the Advent season!  Advent begins four Sundays prior to Christmas Day and is a time of anticipating, celebrating, and preparing for the arrival of Jesus Christ into our world and lives.  The funny thing about Advent is that it holds a double meaning.  It ties together the first and second comings of Jesus.  We prepare this December to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  But may we also prepare for Jesus’ second coming.

Let us do just that as we gather this Sunday!  Worship begins at 10:00 AM with a blend of traditional and contemporary songs and carols.  I’ll begin a new four-part sermon series for Advent entitled The Four Pillars of Faith.  This Sunday, we’ll light the first candle on our Advent wreath and focus on the first pillar: Hope.  The message will encourage you.  Worship will lift you.  Friends will warm you.  Visitors will be welcomed.  And, the Holy Spirit will touch you with his loving presence.

A children’s church will be offered for little ones.  Refreshments will be served following worship in our Fellowship Hall.  The drama luncheon has been postponed to the night of dress rehearsal.  So, drama team members will be on their own for lunch as usual.  We’ll also keep an eye on the weather.  I’m optimistic the snow will stop before Sunday morning and we can get the parking lot cleared in time.  Watch your email for updates.  May we welcome Jesus into our midst this Sunday!