Pastor’s Corner December 2010

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

Advent at Redeemer is a time of joyful anticipation, studying Bible passages that reveal the comings of Christ, singing special songs, decorating the sanctuary with symbolic greenery, nativity pageants, Nathan Clark George Christmas concerts, gathering with our home fellowship groups for parties, exchanging gifts, participating in the Angel Tree project, and lighting candles in an Advent wreath- a visual aid that helps the congregation better see and understand the meaning of the Advent season.

John Witvliet wrote concerning the season of Advent as being “a season of waiting, is designed to cultivate our awareness of God’s actions—past, present, and future. In Advent we hear the prophecies of the Messiah’s coming as addressed to us—people who wait for the second coming. In Advent we heighten our anticipation for the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament promises, when the wolf will lie down with the lamb, death will be swallowed up, and every tear will be wiped away.”

Advent culminates with Christmas and has probably become an important season for all of us over the years. Advent presents a special opportunity to reflect and recalibrate as we head in to a new year. Indeed, Christmas is a special time.

In light of this special time of the year, I will preach 5 sermons drawn from Scripture that prompt us to use the special nature of the season to do several things with thoughtfulness and purpose.
Advent is-
– A Time to Ponder (11/28): Advent forces us to think of some very profound realities.
– A Time to Praise (12/5): Advent moves us to worship God.
– A Time to Party (12/12): Advent means joyful fellowship in Christ with each other.
– A Time to Plan (12/19): Advent marks an annual time to get ready for the year ahead.
– A Time to Proclaim (12/24, Christmas Eve): Advent is too exciting to keep to ourselves!

Christ coming to earth has changed everything. Let’s end 2010 considering the ways this is true and head in to 2011 as a congregation living every day with joyful expectation!

In the Lamb,
Pastor Tony Felich