As I write this, on Friday afternoon, it is snowing outside. Maybe it’s not that big of a deal for snow to fall in New Hampshire on the day after Thanksgiving, but for this Georgia-raised boy, the first snow of the year is always a little surprising and brings a bit of urgency with it.
It can be like this when the seasons change.
I think I remember writing a newsletter article exactly a year ago that had something to do with how surprised I was that it was already Advent again. And, lo-and-behold – this coming Sunday is the start of Advent. . . again! . . . the season of watching and waiting for the coming of Jesus.
There is always some urgency to the passage of time and to this season of watchful preparation.
A colleague of mine – a pastor down in South Carolina – shared that she was getting ready for this coming Sunday’s worship service and, instead of writing, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” she wrote “Come On, Come On, Emmanuel.” I love this typo! It made me laugh. . . and also agree wholeheartedly. What could be more urgent than the words, “Come On! Come On! Emmanuel!”?
As we wrap up a week of Thanksgiving celebrations and shift our focus from turkey and dressing to Christmas trees and Christmas carols, my urgent hope is that our longing for God won’t get lost in the shuffle. To help us, our Worship Committee is providing some Advent Devotionals from the Sanctified Art Collective, our choir is already hard at work on the music of the season, our children and youth are getting closer to having their own Musical offering on December 14, and my own mind is looking toward the Sundays of Advent, and Christmas Eve, and beyond.
I am looking forward to celebrating this season of urgent watching and waiting with you.
Grace and Peace,
John
Prepare for Worship
This Week: “God is At Work – What Do You Fear? – Week 1”
Read Lamentations 3:55-57
Read Luke 1:5-13
Read or sing Hymn # 97 – Watchman, Tell Us of the Night
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