Advent 2025 begins on Sunday, November 30th. You may already have your December newsletter by then, but I want to give you a couple things to ponder early.
First of all, The Advent season is a four-week period before Christmas that celebrates the anticipation and coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The origin of "advent" is from the Latin word adventus, which simply translates as "coming" or "arrival." Not only is the Christian meaning for preparing and celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ, his birth at Christmas, but also to celebrate the new life when someone accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior, and lastly, the anticipation of Jesus returning again.
MEANING OF LIFE
Yesterday, I was interviewed by a college student for a philosophy class assignment. He asked me 15 questions related to the meaning of life. I wish I had asked him for a copy of the questions, but I can remember a few of them. I’m hoping you will take some time to think about the meaning of your life as you prepare for Jesus’ birthday and return.
To be given life is the single greatest gift every person and living creature received, or will receive, from Almighty God. Life is years of opportunity to develop a relationship with God, with others, and to serve the Lord and other people. There are hundreds of scriptures telling us of the meaning of life, but three examples are John 3:16, John 6:35, and John 8:12. You may want to find and read others, as well.
The following are just a few of the 15 I was asked. I’m sure each of of our answers would vary. You may want to discuss your responses with each other.
- What is the meaning of life to you?
- What was the happiest time in your life?
- Can you think of your life as a story?
- Has there been times your life has been a tragedy? A comedy?
- Is there someone or something who interferes with your life?
I will try to get all 15 questions, if you’re interested in responding to them all.
PRAY AND GO
Our presiding elder, Michael Sawicki, suggested a book titled PRAY AND GO for us to use as an advent study. This would be used by each of us individually. If you would like a copy, let me know. I’m not positive, but I think they will cost about $10.
The following is a synopsis of the book: Pray & Go is a profound and easy-to-use tool that empowers church members to focus outward and learn how to pray regularly. There’s hope. Imagine your congregation devoted to prayer. Envision a healthy and growing church dedicated to worshiping Jesus. Our neighborhoods need prayer like never before. Pray & Go is designed to provide convenient opportunities for everyone in your church to participate in and experience the incredible power of prayer. It’s easy. Anyone can do it. Just be present and pray.
When Jesus left his followers to be reunited with God the Father, his parting command to them was to wait. The believers obeyed by gathering, praying together, and waiting for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon them. Pray & Go is focused on following in the footsteps of those early Christians.
It’s a 30-day journey of praying and going, waiting for God and then going outside the church’s four walls in obedience to Jesus’ command. Both adults and young people enjoy the Pray & Go program because it isn’t cumbersome or time-consuming. It requires a small commitment each month to prayer and outreach.
Pray & Go contains 30 daily focus topics to pray for, including:
• Praying for Great Commission church members
• Praying for your pastor
• Praying for unity
Praying for reconciliation Just pray and go. Yes, it’s that simple. You will be amazed by what God will do when your church family is praying for each other and for the community.
You may have your own ideas of how to focus on Jesus during Advent. These are just two suggestions from me. As you are busy with pre-Christmas shopping and decorating, may you remember that Jesus is the reason for the season and spend time with him each day.
Pastor Nancy
