PREP TIME
It’s getting closer and soon will be in full swing. Around our neighborhoods, house after house will be adorned with the glistening lights of Christmas. Kitchens will be filled with the sweet smell of Christmas cookies and colorful greeting cards will be in the mail. Preparation for the holidays discloses old family traditions like Christmas caroling and hanging of the greens. Every parent loves to watch their children as they decorate the family Christmas tree. It’s a new church year and divided into seasons that emphasize the life of Jesus and the life of the church. Beginning Sunday December 3,2023, we enter the season of the church year called Advent. Advent is the season of preparation and anticipation leading up to Christmas, and continuing to Epiphany, January 6,2024. The Lutheran church observes four Sundays during Advent with the themes Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The church uses four candles arranged on an evergreen wreath to remind us. The Advent candles shine brightly, renewing our spirits in the dark winter season. The Advent wreath decorates the church bringing us the light and eternal life through Jesus. Hymns are sung and Bible texts are read during the church service about the coming of Jesus.
Jesus came into this world as both God and man so that our sins are forgiven. Advent is a good time for families of faith to remember Jesus. A good way to share what Christmas means to family is exchanging handed down Christmas customs. and creating new classics. Come together as family and friends, especially if the holiday season is stressful. Invite them to church and maybe they will think about future worship. Remember Jesus through prayers, reflection, special music, and good deeds. Maybe call an old friend, visit a neighbor, help the needy or a special prayer for someone far away. Step away from the frenzied shopping and holiday parties. Advent is when we celebrate one of the holiest events in Christian faith, the birth of the Messiah.
We prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The most important preparation for the arrival of our Lord is not accomplished by our efforts. Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and our lives so we know God’s presence amongst us. May we live lives of genuine love and faithfulness and reflect the Advent light in all we do. Bring light into our darkness and renew our spirits. We pray we may find the presence of the Christ Child reassuring as we face the future. in Him we have new real hope. Our hope for family and for sharing through the days ahead.
As Christians, you are part of what God is doing through the Lutheran Hour Ministries. Your gifts and prayers make a very real impact on this ministry every day. Remember The Lutheran Hour Ministries and look forward to see how the Lord will work through us.
The Lutheran Hour can be heard every Sunday on radio stations
WCCO (830 AM) at 6:05am
KRWC (1360 AM) at 7:30am
KDUZ (1260 AM) at 12:30pm
KDHL (920 AM) at 6:00pm
Stay connected to the Lutheran Hour Ministries
Learn more……..visit lhm.org | thred.org | lhm.org/mensnetwork
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