December 1, 2017
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends,
Welcome to Advent! It seems like the whole town is breaking out in Christmas, with shops full of presents and yards full of lights and inflatable Santas.
While it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, it seems like it becomes harder to slow down and focus on the important things: the incredible gift of Emmanuel, God with us, the One who was willing to leave the glory and perfection of heaven to enter our broken and imperfect lives, as well as the gifts the Lord has given us in friends and family and community.
The center of both of these is relationships. It is not about stuff or activity - it is about showing up and being with the ones you care about. It is about setting down phones and to do lists and spending time with the Lord and with each other.
We start our Advent series this week, and I hope you will pick up a study guide to go along with the sermon series. Pastors Linda and Steve and I put this together for you to dig a little deeper into the scripture and theology in the songs we sing. If you are able, we encourage you to join one of the small groups on Sunday mornings to join with others as we look to recapture the wonder of the gift of Emmanuel.
I would also encourage you to look out for those who are lonely and hurting this season. Our theme this week is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," and of the most poignant lines is in the first verse: "Ransom captive Israel / which mourns in lonely exile here." How many of your neighbors and friends are mourning in lonely exile, behind closed doors and veiled faces? How can you reach out and include them in relationship this season? Perhaps invite them to our Cantata on Sunday, or simply invite them over for hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.
Brothers and sisters, we are invited to celebrate the miracle of Christmas, "God and sinners reconciled," and we are called to be ministers of reconciliation. May the Holy Spirit, the true Spirit of Christmas, fill your hearts to overflowing as you rejoice in Emmanuel and share his joy with others.
Blessings,
Pastor Carolyn
