Greetings!

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” 

Matthew 24: 36-44
People Get Ready
by Linda LeMieux

As the eldest child of “on time” parents, being ready and having my sister ready was an assumed responsibility. Ah, but Matthew writes of spiritual rather than holiday preparations. Knowing this is one thing; but practicing it is another in this season of rush and din and commercial over the top.
How does this child of God who relished guessing each of her wrapped gifts with 100% accuracy wait for the time of surprise? Thankfully, in our beloved covenant community at FCC I can show up as I am and learn from wise ones, young and older. Where being together in the rituals of Advent slows me down, where good enough is SO GOOD and a perfect bow is not the present.
Groove with me won’t you in this Advent message written by the late, great Curtis Mayfield; a wise man for sure!

“People get ready, there’s a train a-comin’
You don’t need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin’
Don’t need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
So people get ready for the train to Jordan
Picking up passengers coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board ‘em
There’s hope for all among those loved the most…” 1

1  People Get Ready Lyrics. Lyrics.com. STANDS4LLC, 2019. 
Today's Prayer

God, into our darkness bring forth Your Light. This Advent season may FCC be a train platform for preparation; where all are welcome and where we find comfort on our faith journey together. That is my hope. Amen.
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