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MESSAGE FROM JIMMY
Advent Series: Making Room
Week 2: "Welcoming Strangers"
Text: Matthew 2:1-12
The sanctuary and worship center were wonderfully decorated this past week to usher us into the Advent/Christmas season! Thanks to the many volunteers who made the transformation happen. It warms my heart to see the laity of the church around here during the week serving.
This past Sunday I issued a challenge to us to follow the example of the innkeeper by showing hospitality to our neighbors and guests by making room for others. The logo of our church features an open door, which suggests that we are a welcoming community. We want people who come to our worship services to find our door open and someone there to greet them with a warm smile. Greeters and ushers, open those doors before every service this month, as long as it isn’t too cold outside! If it is, then be standing there ready to open it for them. People in the pews, look for new people or those you haven’t seen in a while sitting around you. Smile and say, “Hello. It is good to see you. I am glad you are here.” Embody the spirit of the innkeeper who made room for Mary and Joseph, expectant parents wearied from a long journey.
This week in worship we will focus on the Wisemen present in the birth story of Jesus. These “strangers from the east” were welcomed by Mary and Joseph. How can we follow their example to build relationships with the “strangers” in our midst? Making new friends isn’t always easy to do. Jesus certainly had a knack for connecting with people who were unfamiliar and different. Maybe he learned the practice from his parents? What I have discovered is that unexpected blessings are waiting for me when I make room for new people. Keep inviting your friends and neighbors to join us for worship. Keep shariing the love of CHRISTmas! I’ll see you Sunday!
Jimmy
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