The View from the Pulpit …
Make Your Advent Count!
Dear Fellow Members of the Family Called Resurrection,
Ok, I admit it – I’m guilty! All year long, I remain the meek, mild-mannered pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, conscientious husband and father. And then it happens. The holiday season begins – and I am transformed into a decorate-till-you-drop, hyperactive, up-tight, over-worked and over-booked, stress-filled person. The Advent and Christmas Seasons get the best of me, and as a result, of my family.
The Advent and Christmas Season sometimes gets hectic for all us, don’t they? We all seem to do too much to make it a special time of the year. We’re more tired and pressured than usual with all the activities that consume our time. Often, we fail to take quality time first with our God and His Word, and then with our family, or with our children or grandchildren. And young children, even more so than adults like me, are over-excited with the sense of anticipation of Christmas morning.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and King, Jesus, the very Son of God come into this world to redeem us from our sins, allow me to share some suggestions to make your Christmas preparations meaningful and to reduce some of the pressure you may feel at this time of the year:
+ Remind yourself and your family that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior. God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to take on human form in order to take all the punishment we deserve as sinners. The God-man, Jesus, suffered on the Cross for our sins, died and rose again for our salvation. This is the real cause of our rejoicing this Advent and Christmas Season and throughout the year!
+ Plan ahead! Make a list of things to do each day. Determine priorities. Are all the “to do” things necessary? Eliminate at least one thing each day and spend that time with your children and family.
+ Observe the Season of Advent. Make an Advent Calendar or paper Advent chain. Mark each day that passes, bringing us closer to the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth. Use an Advent Wreath (with the four candles and a center candle, representing the Christ-Child) for your daily devotions.
+ Read the Christmas story to your children and/or grandchildren during those quiet evening moments. Refrain from stories that emphasize gifts and Santa Clause.
+ Help your family, children and grandchildren plan and do something for someone else. Visit a shut-in or someone who is homebound ill. Visit a lonely neighbor or friend. Invite someone over for dinner (or even Christmas Dinner). Write a letter to someone serving in the military, far from home. Bake and take some cookies to a new neighbor (or even an “old” neighbor!). Bring someone to worship on Sunday, or Christmas Eve or Day. Volunteer your time at a charitable cause.
+ Help your child or grandchild understand that Santa Claus, like clowns at a birthday party, is just another way that we celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior. You may wish to share the real story of “Santa,” which is actually based on the true legend of St. Nicholas.
+ Remember that the gifts that we give represent God’s greatest gift, His Son, our savior, Jesus Christ! Share that Good News with your family.
+ Make plans to worship together as a family: during the Advent Midweek Services on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM, and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Emphasis “the reason for the season:” Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, has come!
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things.
[Hebrews 1:1-2]
This Advent and Christmas, let’s take time to listen to God!
Pastor Hank
P.S.: Also, please attend the Voters Meeting this Sunday, December 04, following the Early (8:00 AM) Worship Service (held during the Education Hour), with the meeting beginning around 9:15 AM. Bring a breakfast dish to share. At this meeting, we will adopt the Budget for 2017. Your voice and vote is needed! Remember: Resurrection is YOUR congregation!
When the Christmas spirit springs to life, in the human heart each year,
The world becomes, for a little while, a haven of love and cheer.
The poor in body are clothed and fed, and lonely know once more,
The warmth of hearing a welcome knock, on a long too silent door.
For these few days we remember well, that all mankind is kin,
Bound by the love of the Babe who found, no room in that long ago inn.
But the days go by, and the spirit dies, so busy with living are we,
And the poor and lonely are left once more, in hunger and apathy.
I have been guilty too, God knows: Too busy to lend a hand,
Too busy to stop for a friendly chat, too busy to understand.
No more, no more let this happen to me, Dear Lord, I earnestly pray.
“Let me keep the Spirit the whole year through, as bright as it is today!”
Virginia Blanck Moore
Advent and Christmas Greetings to you all!!
Pastor Hank
