November 24, 2021
From Pastor Joey
Advent: The Season of Waiting
When I retired, I thought my days of preparing for the special seasons of the church year were over. I find myself delighted to be working with leadership to once again plan for the precious time of Advent.
Advent is the season of waiting and preparing once again for our Savior’s birth. It might seem counterintuitive to be waiting for an event that happened over 2000 years ago! Mala Powers in her book Follow the Year: A Family Celebration of Christian Holidays, says it this way: “Celebrating Christian festivals throughout the year can be thought of as holding a great and regular conversation with God.” Advent is the first season of the Christian year, and it reveals the nature of God during the time of the expectation and birth of Jesus Christ. Up until Christmas Eve, it is the season of waiting and expecting, and preparing.
Consider our celebration this year to be a collage including readings, carols, candles, a puppet show, and a tableau. Like other collages, this collage will be an art creation that results from the assemblage of different forms, creating a new whole.
My hope is that each Sunday will give the congregation a hint of preparing for the birth of the precious baby!
Scripture Readings and Sermon Titles for Advent
November 28 Luke 1:26-38 “Do Not Be Afraid, Mary!”
December 5 Isaiah 9:1-7 “His Name Shall Be Prince of Peace”
December 12 Luke 1:39-45 “The Babe Leapt In Her Womb
December 19 Luke 1:46-55 “My Soul Magnifies the Lord”
December 24 Luke 2: 1-20 “And She Gave Birth”
December 26 Matt. 2:1-12 “They Rejoiced Exceedingly With Great Joy”
Due to COVID restrictions and the intent to keep our congregation safe, there will be two services, one at 4 p.m. and one at 6 p.m. I hope to worship with you during this joyous season and to proclaim with you on Christmas Eve “Hallelujah! He Is Born! It’s a boy!”
Some Concerns that we have:
- For those who continue to go through physical struggles, those who are dealing with cancer, or other health situations. For those who are emotionally feeling lost and alone.
- For those who haven’t been vaccinated yet; for all those who are ill from the Covid-19 virus; for those families who have lost loved ones to the virus; and for essential workers.
- For peace in our country.
- For Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal.