It is terribly confusing. We have the lectionary year which starts the first weekend in September. Advent is the beginning of our liturgical year. Then we have the secular new year as the world celebrates it on January 1. It is terribly confusing. Especially when we make such a big deal of this season of the year. Yet, if you really think about it, Advent should be the season when things begin.

Advent is a time of anticipation. It is the start of the story. The story that changed the world. The creator of all we know and who we will discover came down to this little blue ball floating in the cosmos to save a world of terribly rebellious beings. God came out of Glory to walk among us, feel what we feel, live as we live, and experience the world as we do.

What a miracle that is.

“The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you….” Deut. 7:7-8a

I find great comfort that the Lord of the cosmos loves us just because. No reason; he just wants to.

As we reflect on the miracle of our season. Let us remember that it is not our birthday but His. It isn’t about the stuff. It is about this God of ours coming to earth as a little baby, announced by angels, visited by magi, laid in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn and in our hearts. Yet he loves us. 

I love the carols and hymns, the scriptures about all this and ask if you will come and celebrate the story that changed the world out of His love for us. 

Come join us as we celebrate in an old-fashioned Christmas service. It will be the Christmas story told through word and song. All on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m. 

Look forward to seeing you at church. 

Blessings until we see you again.

Pastor Mark