Dear St. John’s Family,
As November winds down, it’s hard to ignore the world’s rush toward Christmas. But as Christians, we are given a beautiful gift before the celebration: the season of Advent. Beginning Sunday, November 30th. Advent invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. It’s a season defined not by busyness, but by watchful waiting.
The four weeks of Advent are a journey. We light candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, each one a defiant flame against the darkness, reminding us that Jesus, the Light of the World, is coming.
How can we, as individuals and families, embrace this season of anticipation?
Join Us for Worship: The best way to journey through Advent is with your church family. Our Sunday services and special Midweek Advent Services (Wednesdays at 7:00 PM) are designed to guide us through this season of preparation. This year Pastor Arnold Jurchen will be leading these services for St. John’s. There are also many “endless resources to draw on in this season,” and worshiping together helps us focus on the most important one: Christ Himself.
Create a Home Tradition: Consider getting a small Advent wreath for your dinner table. Lighting the candles and reading a short devotion each night is a wonderful way to involve the whole family in the journey. Serve Others: Advent is a perfect time to look outward. As we await the coming of our King, who came to serve, let us also serve others. Consider volunteering, donating to a local charity, or simply reaching out to a neighbor in need.
This Advent, let’s intentionally prepare room in our hearts and homes for Jesus. We pray this season will be a time of rich spiritual growth and joyful anticipation for you and your loved ones.
With Blessings for a Hopeful Advent,
Pastor Kitzing