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Getting Ready for Christmas
By Pastor John Motz

This month before Christmas always feels especially hectic and busy. We feel we have to push a little faster, keep a few more balls juggling in the air, stretch a little thinner, all of which can wear us down. Yet, this month, which is historically know as the season of Advent, is intended to remind us of where our strength comes from, and that we are not alone. In Matthew's Gospel we are reminded that God had spoken through a prophet that "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us")". The birth of Jesus, this good news of "God with us", is what we celebrate at Christmas, and is intended to be our help, our strength, and our peace. Being aware of his presence in the hurting or hectic moments of our lives is God's gift to us and is what enables us to maintain our balance. So, part of our Advent mission each year is to maintain this awareness, and live/celebrate God's gift.

The four Sundays prior to Christmas we'll explore a series entitled "Embracing Immanuel" in which we will consider the benefits of leaning into and clinging to the gift of "God with us" (literally what Immanuel means). If you are a family with children, I encourage you to pick up one of the Family Advent Calendars at church for daily family activities to help our kids better understand the meaning of Christmas. This is also a great time to start a new habit, pick up an Advent daily devotion or open your Bible App, and select a daily devotional guide that is specifically for the Advent season. And finally, if you are able, I invite you to our Christmas Eve candlelight service (5:00pm on the 24th), a beautiful yet simple service to celebrate the gift of Jesus together.

Adding one or all of these to your month will make your life better, not busier, I promise! Let's embrace the gift of "God with us". Let’s celebrate together!