Advent is upon us!  Advent is a word in Latin meaning “Arrival”.  Advent in the life of the Church is the season of preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child we celebrate at Christmas. Still, Advent also carries the theme of preparation for the arrival of Christ for the second time or the Second Coming of Christ. 

As we prepare our homes for Christmas and gatherings of family and friends, we are also preparing the church building. (Thanks to all who came out Monday to help prepare the sanctuary!)  Moreover, we need to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ's birth and for His return.  This may mean taking moments away from the hustle and bustle of the season that is jam-packed with things to do to intentionally read the opening chapters of Matthew and Luke where we find the birth narratives of Jesus.  Also, you might want to save this web address at OPEN BIBLE, which has 100 verses about the Second Coming of Christ.  Regarding the second coming, pay special attention to Matthew chapter 24, especially verses 36-41, which tell us that no one knows the day of Christ's return other than the Father, not even the Son, Jesus! 

This unknown time is the reason we need to prepare our hearts. We may meet Jesus together at His return or individually upon our death, but we will meet Him and want to be ready when that day comes so that He will embrace us as His own.

One important way to prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth and His return is to be in Worship, now at 10:30 on Sundays!!!!  Our Sermon Series through Christmas Eve will be MAKE ROOM!  Forever Changed will lead us in the contemporary Christmas song by Casting Crowns by the same name, “Make Room”.  You may want to add it to your listening playlist on your phone or other device, it's available on iTunes, Amazon Music, and YouTube! 

Casting Crowns - Make Room (Official Music Video) ft. Matt Maher 

There are a bevy of Small Group, Sunday School, and family gatherings coming up.  In spite of this, remember the meaning of this season is not social, not food, not gift-giving!  The reason we celebrate is that we serve a living Lord who was born to us, fully divine and fully human and that He will return at a time of the Father’s choosing!  So, “Make Room” for Him among all the other things that you are doing.

Peace,

Burt