Joy
Good Wednesday to you,
The third week of Advent focuses on Joy. However, this past week I have encountered many people who are struggling to be joyful. Be it a child who is making poor choices, an aging parent needing higher levels of care, or even difficulties at work or at home, joy can be elusive. In reviewing our Advent themes, it is important to remember that they all work together in anticipation of the return of Jesus – the Second Coming.
The plan God had from the foundations of the earth was to redeem creation, a creation that was very good in the beginning. Disobedience severed our relationship with God, but God refused to abandon us to our own devices. Thus, a promise was given to Abraham and Sarah, a promise fulfilled in Jesus. As He ascended into the heavens, the angels told His followers that He would return. This is our hope. Peace with God was made possible through Jesus, who is the atonement for our sin. Though we still live in a broken world, the promise of His return kindles joy in our spirit.
That joy is most keenly felt in community. Paul prays that God, who gives us endurance and encouragement, would give us a spirit of unity as we follow Jesus. The family of God provides us with authentic community that is essential when we are facing challenges and uncertainty. Remember, no matter what you are facing, you are never alone. In the days and months ahead, this truth will carry you through. STICK TOGETHER!
This next week we celebrate the fourth week of Advent with our annual choir Christmas Cantata. This beautiful presentation will be heard at both services on Sunday. I am looking forward to this, and I hope you are too!
Well done to all who helped with the Best PCS Ever! Annual Christmas Store. The event was a huge success and a blessing to over 100 junior enlisted families. What a joy! And the donations for the Alternative Christmas Market keep rolling in. Your generosity is an overwhelming testimony of God's faithfulness in our midst. If you have not yet finished your Christmas shopping, consider checking out the Alternative Christmas Market. Shopping is available until December 31 at www.gmpc.org/acm.
Once again, I remind you, our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:30pm for the Bell Ringing service (designed for children/families to "ring in" the birth of our Savior), and 6:00pm for the traditional Candlelight service. Since Christmas falls on Sunday this year, we will be having one special service on Christmas Day at 10:00am for the entire family. There will be no Sunday School that morning, but trust me, our time together will be joyful and engaging for all ages. Also, will have one service on New Year's Day, my last Sunday. It, too, will be at 10:00am and may last a little longer than an hour.
Grace and peace to you all,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
