Happy New Year!
You know, looking over the Advent flyer that many of you recently received in the mail, I see so much on our plate for this season and I wonder sometimes if it is too much. Bible studies, luncheons, a cantata, a Night in Bethlehem, UMCOR missions, Christmas Eve worship - so many event not including the other things going on in life, such as work, family, friends...I would completely understand the temptation to think of all these church activities as just more events to have to attend during the Advent (NOT Christmas, but Advent) season.
And any of us who take such an attitude are SORELY MISTAKEN.
It hit me recently as I was visiting with the parent of a child I know - I think part of our problem is that we look at the formational events that God provides through the Christian community of our local congregation as one more thing on the calendar.
What if we considered these activities, no matter what they be, as part of a lifelong development of a relationship with God and the people of God, rather than one more thing to have to check off our to-do list?
I'm really excited about our Night in Bethlehem event this Sunday evening. Last night, it was truly a joy to work with a crew to prepare the framing, seeing our fellowship hall start to transform into the Bethlehem of Christ's day. Saturday, it will be a joy to be with those who are coming to decorate and set up for Sunday. Sunday evening, as we all gather for this time of fellowship and wonder, it will be a joy to realize that through this time, and through all of Advent, what is truly going on is the work of a God who is using the Body of Christ to prepare us for the arrival of a Savior.
When you look at it from that perspective, kinda moves it from a "Oh, another event..." to "Oh! Another Event! I wonder what God is going to show us this time!"
See you Sunday!
Lamar
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