Did you know November is “Peanut Butter Lovers Month?”  My father will be thrilled!  Everyone who knows Jim Swanger is aware that he carries a tiny jar of peanut butter in his pocket, the man is utterly obsessed with peanut butter.

But my dad is also obsessed with doing good things for God.  He took his passion for peanut butter to the max recently when he initiated a peanut butter collection at church.  He and my mom encouraged everyone to bring in one jar of peanut butter for the food pantry.  It turned out there were other peanut butter lovers in the congregation as well.  The result – a shelf full of peanut butter for our hungry families (short lived, they are all gone).  I hope this was not just a one-time thing, but will become an annual enterprise in July.

Imagine if each of us were to take our faith and passion, and use it to further the kingdom of God.  We could help change the world for the better!  As we begin this very busy time of year, let our passion for eating, shopping, and focus on material stuff, instead be focused on preparing the way for the Lord.  Let our hearts seek out the good as we spend time in prayer, and focus on helping others.  Let’s fix our hearts on the question, “How can Advent make a difference in our relationship with God?”  Let us decorate for the season in the light of Christ, let us buy presents with love for the receiver.  Let us be joyful in the Lord as we enjoy the beauty of the season, and may the peace of Christ weigh heavy on our hearts, instead of the worry of, “How we are going to get it all done?”  For it is in journeying with Jesus we discover the true passion of life!

May you be filled with the blessings of Christ!

Pastor Beth