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Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
(Luke 1: 48b-50)
From Generation to Generation is the theme for this year’s Advent/Christmas Worship series. This series was written by a group called Sanctified Art and is based on Luke 1:48b-50. The themes and texts for this series provide a chronological storyline of the events leading up to and following Christ’s birth.
This theme seems especially appropriate and meaningful as we experience the transition to a new church year and as we transition into a new season of ministry where we discern the Jesus-sized dream. In the Lutheran understanding of both/and, this time is filled with both excitement and perhaps a little fear. Where is God leading us? How can we do and be what God is calling into being at this time? Can we do things differently than we have always done them?
I am grateful for the generations who have gone before us who have experienced many life and world changes. Their stories of courage, willingness to adapt, to learn, and to trust God to lead them through challenges offer encouragement for us as individuals and as a community of faith. These stories illustrate God’s faithfulness in all generations throughout the joys and challenges of life.
I am also grateful for the next generation. What a joy it is to envision AND to be a part of the opportunity to share the story of God’s love with those in the current and the next generation. My prayer is that God will use the people and ministry of LCOC to point others to God so that all may “know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that [they] may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19)
So how can YOU be a part of sharing God’s love from generation to generation?
· Thank someone who has encouraged you in faith.
· Pray for others in their journey of faith.
· Make an additional year-end financial gift so that LCOC can encourage and equip people in their faith.
· Serve as part of a ministry team. It is amazing what is possible as we work together and with God.
· Invite a neighbor/friend/family member to the Advent Service of Hope and Christmas Eve service.
· Tell the story of how you have experienced God’s love and faithfulness.
May this season and this series, remind and encourage you in the Good News that from generation to generation, Jesus comes down and meets us in our excitement and fear. Let us go and tell the story of what God has done and invite others to come and see that Christ was born for all people.
Pastor Darcy
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