It may be helpful to balance that frenetic activity with the quietness and reflection of the Christmas preparation in the church that we call Advent. You will notice that in church this season, there is a little more silence in worship. The pace of the service actually slows down a bit during December!

 

That is because while the world is preparing for the feast of Christmas with parties, concerts, and lists of presents to buy; we, in the church, recognize that in order for Christ to be born into the world, we must prepare for Christ's birth within ourselves. We believe that Christians are called to be Christ's hands and feet in the world. But, in order to serve Christ in that way, we must continually prepare ourselves through silence and prayer, through watchfulness and love.

 

During this season of Advent, I invite you to join us for worship and to take some deliberate time from the busyness of seasonal preparation to receive some intentional spiritual preparation. Each year brings its own unique challenges, and as a country we have endured a challenging year. I continue to believe that prayer and worship prepare us for more deliberate and effective work in the world: This year our prayers are more needed than ever.