Advent and Hanging of the Greens

Yesterday began the season of Advent. Advent is a time to remember Christ’s first coming as we look forward to his second coming. During this Advent season we will be thinking about our responsibilities as followers of Christ to be putting into practice the very things he came into the world to bring. Yesterday the sermon focused on Jesus Christ as the only one who can bring justice. Because Christ came to bring justice, then as his followers we need to be people of justice.

As usual, Josanne told me afterwards what would have been perfect for me to say, so I’m going to share this with you now. As I mentioned, we can become very discouraged looking at all of the problems in the world. We look at everything that happens and we think, “what difference can I make?” However, when we begin to look at the difficult situations which are right around us in our community, we see opportunities where we can make a difference. Each of us is able to reach out and help those around us. This is especially true when we all work together! We may think we can’t make a difference in the world, but we can make all the difference in the world to some of the individuals in our own community.

The Project Evergreen flyer that was in our bulletins this week would be one way to meet the needs of those right here in our own community. Ron Zook is going to have some more information on this next week in the service. December 21st is the deadline for making donations to this project.

Last night was a terrific kick-off to the Advent season. The Hanging of the Greens was a tremendous success. Special thanks go to Molly Hilt and Hannah Lee for their planning the decorations and organizing the event. Thanks also to our very own Kentuckian soup maker, Josanne. Thanks also to Mollie Marvel for putting together the youth program. Thanks to everyone who came out to help prepare our beautiful building for the season. Thanks to all of the young people who did a great job with the presentation of the Christmas story. I heard lots of laughter and chatter, so I think everyone who came out had a great time.

Looking forward to sharing the rest of this great season with you all!

God bless,

Brian