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Wow! It seems like August 1st was just last week, and here we are in the expectancy and anticipation of the Advent season preparing for Christmas – I guess tine really does fly when you’re having fun!!! And we are truly blessed with joyful faith here at FUPC.
Advent, like Lent, is a season for reflection and repentance for Christians. Unlike Lent, it is a joy-filled season that has been enriched by Christian tradition to reflect its distinctive Christian meaning. At this time, we proclaim the revelation of God's love as expressed in Christ's birth in a humble stable, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His victorious Resurrection! We also recognize our need for preparation for Christ’s second coming, and point to the hope of Christ's return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This tiny baby, in humble surroundings, was heralded as Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. A simple baby, housed in a stable, worshipped by angels and shepherds, wise travelers from another country, was really everything BUT simple!
This is the time to recall God’s prophets predicting peace, hope, love and joy on earth. Each week in worship another candle in the Advent wreath is lighted to represent these amazing prophecies, and reminds us to recommit ourselves to carrying our Lord’s True Light into the world, working toward the fulfillment of those divine promises.
Remember, as we discussed during the hanging of the greens, this season makes innkeepers out of all of us, asking each one to make room for the arrival of Christ the King. Let us prepare room for this humble Servant Savior in our hearts, our lives, and our homes!
And may God’s richest blessings be with you all, this Christmas and always.
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