Due to the appropriate and poignant content of the article, the Pastor’s Notes from November 27, 2022, is being republished today.
“It always comes as a surprise that the Advent season comes at the end of November. It seems like it should all be in December, but here it is “early” every year. (Today is the Sunday before Advent begins on December 3, 2023, so we even have a skip week in between this year to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Advent.)
Advent is the season of anticipation as we focus on the coming of the Messiah. It would be easy for this rushed season to be the season of anxiety rather than the season of anticipation. So let’s corporately take a deep breath and try to relax. Focus our attention on anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ. I know there are so many things to accomplish, so many traditions to honor, so many people to care for, but can we just put down enough of the season’s birthday to experience the hope, joy, love, and peace that the season beckons us toward?
We not only need to keep Christ in the season, but keep ourselves in it as well. There is much good that we plan to do, but the best we can do is to welcome Jesus home in our hearts.”