It’s A Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

We have chosen “Prepare Him Room” for our Advent theme this year. The word advent means “coming”. So, advent can refer to both the first coming of our Lord Jesus (the Christmas Story) and the second coming of Jesus. I have come to really love and enjoy the Advent season. First, is all the hustle and bustle of Christmas time, the Advent Season and events helps us to stay focused. Advent becomes a weekly, even daily reminder of the reason for the season: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”(John 1: 14). As a part of Advent, we light a different candle each week: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Then at the Christmas Eve service we light the Christ Candle. The focus is on God’s Word and the Gospel story.

Second, I love the mission aspect of Advent that we have added. We make gifts and presents a part of our mission DNA. Each week of Advent will feature one of the ongoing missions that we support. You can bring any gift any on any Sunday during December. But each week will focus on a different ministry and a different gift. This year, we bring Jelly for James Island Outreach. Look for the BOGO deals! James Island Outreach also has a special need for cooking oil, so the second Sunday of Advent, December 9 we will bring cooking oil. Again, you can bring any item on any Sunday or any day of the week. I do all my shopping at one time and then just bring them all together! The third Sunday of Advent, December 16 will focus on Low Country Orphan Relief. They have asked for pajama’s and underwear of any and all sizes from 3T to XL. You know some displaced children will love to snuggle up to some super hero p.j.’s. Then last, we will bring diapers and pull ups of all sizes for our friends at Low Country Pregnancy Center. Oh, boy oh boy, this will be fun. Want to make it complete? Volunteer with Susan to take any of these items to the ministries. You will be double blessed.

Last, but not least, let us find a way to be generous and give to the International Mission Fund, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Supporting close to 4000 full time missionaries around the world, this is about the best bang for your buck! Many of our missionaries work in Moslem countries and are the constantly at risk. Pray, give and support the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Oh there is more: Christmas Caroling on Wednesday, December 12, a Children’s Musical on December 19, a mission program on December 5 and then our annual beautiful Christmas Eve Service. It is a most wonderful time of the year!

Pastor Tom