In a secular world, it is too easy to be swept up by the commercial nature of Christmas. Each week as we gather for worship, we will read a part of God’s Word that tells of His advent; we will light purple candles as a reminder of His royalty and a pink candle as a reminder of the great joy caused by His coming. Each week it is a reminder to reflect and to remember to celebrate Christmas on purpose and with purpose.
The Magi, as wise men from the East, honored the first advent by bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. How can we honor Him this year? What do you give a King who owns it all? We are encouraging our church family to consider special advent gifts this year. Gifts related to ministries that we support throughout the entire year. These are gifts they have requested as helpful and useful. The first Sunday of Advent is November 30. Would you bring reusable water bottles for Florence Crittenton, the home for young unwed mothers? The second Sunday of Advent, you could bring boys pajamas…any size, for the Lowcountry Orphan Relief. Week three would be jelly, any flavor, for our partnership with James Island Outreach. The fourth Sunday of Advent would, appropriately enough, be diapers. That would have been great for the first advent or any year there are babies involved! Our friends at Lowcountry Pregnancy will appreciate the gifts of love.
Do you see where we are going with this? Celebrate His coming…the Advent of God’s Son. God becoming flesh; the Light coming into a world of darkness; a Savoir for people in need of saving! It is a celebration. The focus of advent is on Him. The gifts we give to others share the good news of hope, peace, joy and love. My prayer is we will have so many of each gift, we will have trouble transporting them all. Let's do Christmas...On Purpose.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas
Pastor Tom
