One of my favorite parts about Thanksgiving and Christmas is getting ready for the Advent Season. The word advent means coming. Christmas is the celebration of the coming, the advent, of God’s Son into the world. It is so easy for me to be distracted by political news, family events and secular messaging. To help me stay focused I have some spiritual practices that I try to incorporate into my holidays. Starting December 1, I will re-read the Christmas stores and all related passages. There are times when I use an Advent Devotional. It usually includes a scripture reference, a short thought and a prayer for the season.
As a church family, one thing we do involves remembering why we give gifts. Following the example of the Wisemen/Magi/the Three Kings, we bring our gifts to celebrate our Lord’s birth. We still give family gifts and have wonderful days of family gathering with gift exchanges. Christmas is not the only time we give gifts but it is one time when we are most likely to share love and gifts!
Here is one tradition I love as much as any. Our church family for years has incorporated mission giving and mission support into the Advent Season. The gifts can vary from year to year. The intent is always the same: love someone in Jesus’ name and bless them however you can. This year, we are doing three gifts for Advent. The first one is by far the biggest challenge. We have been asked to provide Christmas for 300 children in Western North Carolina. These can be gently used toys or new toys. They can be for ages starting at birth and going through age 14. There can also be gifts for Senior Adults. Please join us in trying to provide 300+ toys for these children. I think we will have twice that number. By the way, you do not have to wrap them. They will have a special way to deliver the gifts to the families. No wrapping required. We will have at lease three Christmas trees around the church campus: the worship center, the atrium and the fellowship hall. You can drop them off any time. We will be taking the gifts to Greenville, Tennessee, the collection place. They will get them to their Ministry-Mission warehouse from there. So, the last date to receive toys at JIBC is Monday, December 8.
The other two Advent mission projects include our Jelly and pancake syrup for James Island Outreach. How sweet it is! Keep an eye out for the BOGO deals. Let us know where you find great deals and we will spread the word.
The last of the mission projects includes an offering for International Missions. This fund will be directed to mission efforts around the world. Among them will be the Lottie Moon Christmas offering.
Well, it is early, but the days are flying fast. Make plans now for how you will celebrate Advent.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
