It’s hard to believe we’re already in the season of Advent.  Of course, we started seeing Christmas decorations alongside Halloween decorations in the stores months ago, but now December is finally here.  As we rush through the next few weeks – buying gifts, planning family gatherings, cooking, eating, and frantically fulfilling our materialistic desires – take time to breathe, reflect, and rejoice.

Remember, Christmas is not your birthday (unless, of course, it is and you were one of those unhappy children who got hung out to dry every year).  And Christmas is not so much about presents as it is about presence.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6a).  “The time has come… The kingdom of God has come near.  Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15).  Jesus is born!  God is present!  The Son of God put skin on and stepped out into this grubby, broken, beautiful world to be with you and me.

Take time to enjoy God’s presence.  Take time to enjoy the presence of loved ones.  Take time to remember the loved ones who are no longer with us, rejoicing in the fact that those who believe in Jesus and follow him here and now will continue to walk with him in eternity.

Our “Classic Christmas” event will be Sunday, December 15^th, at 10:15am.  A Christmas Eve service will be offered at 8:00pm on December 24^th.  I truly hope you are able to worship with us on one or both of these festive occasions.

This season, breathe in God’s Spirit, reflect on all that God has done for you, and rejoice – for God is with us!

In Christ,

Pastor Zack