Pastor Harry’s Thoughts for December

I’d like to welcome you to this wonderful season of hope and anticipation! As we step into this season that for many of us has been long anticipated, we enter a time of reflection, expectation, and hope. Advent is a Latin word meaning "coming,". And so, in celebration of this, during these weeks leading up to Christmas, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Advent is a time to anticipate His promised return with joy and an opportunity to rekindle our steadfast faith in His promises.

Advent begins in darkness, symbolizing a world awaiting the arrival of the Light. The prophet Isaiah reminds us of this promise when he says, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2, NIV). This Light, the light of Jesus Christ, it shines brightly bringing hope to a world that has grown ever so dim. As we light the candles of the Advent wreath each week this month, let them serve as a reminder to us all that God’s love pierces the darkness and breaks into our lives as it seeks to transform our hearts.

Advent gives us reason to pause and to remember that God always fulfills His promises. More than 700 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied this, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, NIV). Jesus, who left the glory that he had above, came to earth and was born in a humble manger. He was the fulfillment of God’s faithfulness. This same faithful God walks with us today, offering peace, comfort, and strength.

Our world can be overwhelming at times. It’s a place often filled with distractions, but Advent invites us to reflect on what truly matters. It is a season not just of giving and receiving but of waiting in hope. The apostle Paul pens it best when he writes: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13, NIV). During this season of advent, and as we celebrate Christmas, may I encourage each of us to renew our trust in God, knowing that the hope we have in Christ is unshakable.

Advent is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love to others. Just as God gave us the ultimate gift in Jesus, we are called to give of ourselves. Whether it is through acts of kindness, a word of encouragement, or prayers for those in need, may we all endeavor to embody the love of Christ. As we journey through this month, May the God of peace grant us the desire to keep our eyes fixed on the One who is our Emmanuel,

"God with us." May this season fill your hearts with hope, your homes with peace, and your lives with joy. I invite each of you to join us for worship and fellowship throughout this holy season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and await His glorious return.

And now May the God of Love, Peace, Hope, and Joy, fill your hearts and your homes with all good measure!

Grace and Peace to you all,

Pastor Harry & Jennifer