This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, a four week season that marks the beginning of the Christian year. It is a time of anticipation, of longing, of waiting for the coming of Christ. Over the next four weeks we will be looking at the significance of this season through the eyes of four people: this Sunday Simeon, then John the Baptist, next Mary the mother of Jesus, and finally God himself.As we allow their perspectives on Advent and Christmas to shape our own it will deepen the joy and power of this season for each of us, and trust me there is tremendous joy and power here. Robert Webber explains Advent as, “a corporate spiritual journey that calls for expectant waiting and readiness for the coming of the Christ. When the Church travels this journey and treats it as a discipline of life and prayer, the joy of Christmas is immeasurably intensified.”Talk with your family about how to incorporate Advent into your celebration of the Christmas season. Consider purchasing an Advent devotional that will guide you through the season. I have found Dietrick Bonhoeffer’s, God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas, especially moving. Also look at Seeking God’s Face: Praying with the Bible through the Year, which, while not exclusively an Advent devotional, has a section on Advent. For a family devotional mindful of kids look at Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski. All are available on Amazon.com and at the Redeemer book table.I can’t wait to worship with you all this Sunday.Pastor David

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