There is an amazing sense of wonder this time of year as we anticipate all that will unfold. The countdown has begun towards Christmas, 25 days to be exact, but it’s not only the decorating, baking and shopping that we are all working towards. It is the giving and receiving of love that makes it all worthwhile. And ultimately the gift of love that Christ brings.

We remember the situation Jesus’ family was in the day he was born—a young woman pregnant, her betrothed by her side, away from home and family—but God did not abandon them.  Instead, He provided a warm shelter, surrounding them with furry bodies to keep them warm.  We can only imagine how close God was the moment Jesus was born.

All of this is depicted in the nativity sets we display, the tiny figures made out of all kinds of material, from carved wood – to soft pillows, all special and unique. I encourage each of us to display a Nativity set this year, so we can share the story of Jesus’ birth once again. Let’s not only keep Christ in Christmas, but make Him primary in everything we do, each and every day.

As we come together for worship the four Sundays of Advent, we will be reflecting on God’s love in Christ and responding by practicing love through holiness of heart and life using the sermons of our founding father, John Wesley.

We will explore how his sermons, written and preached so long ago, can still be so relevant in the lost world of today.  Our journey begins as we prepare the way of the Lord; week two invites us to prepare by praying; the third week of Advent we will be talking about practices of mercy; and all of it will end as we began, on Christmas Eve, feeling loved and wanting to share that love as we are sent out into the world.

I pray you and your family find time to enjoy the wonder of this amazing season, and take note where God is working and loving in the world.

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.

Matthew 3:3

God Bless!

Pastor Beth