Post Christmas 2007--
This year at Evangelical Lutheran Church we celebrated the Good News of God's coming in Christ through eight worship services that touched about 2,300 souls.
But that's only a tiny part of the story. Followers of Jesus around the globe gathered as we did, and they too celebrated the nativity readings from Luke and Matthew and pondered the mystery disclosed in John.
How is it that this birthday from long ago launches a billion people in the mode of worship followed by a renewed spirit of joy and service?
I think it is only possible when we realize that the Savior who was born long ago is still ALIVE and very much present with us through the power of the Holy Spirit!
Christmas worship is not a rite or ritual. It is a celebration of a relationship we still know with the Messiah of God...and, regardless of where you're reading these words, you should know that you are precious in His eyes right now.
So, Christmas was good because Christ is good. 2008 holds promise because Christ will be with us each step along the journey, whatever life may bring.
In closing, a word of SINCERE thanks to the staff, congregation and guests for the generous outpouring of time, love, and offerings that enable this congregation to move forward with the kind of grace that touches those in need (all of us!).
God bless, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year soon!
Pastor Dave+
An Advent blog---I tend to equate December with the following things--traffic, shopping, busyness.....stress! Maybe you feel the same way.
God in His goodness has led the church to observe a time apart from these pressures. It's called Advent, a reflective time of prayer, repentance, service, and contemplation. What does it really mean that God came in the flesh in the person of Jesus Christ? What does it really mean to us that he was born, died, and rose? What does it really mean that he will come again to take us home when our course on earth has finished? And what does it really mean that Christian people claim to have a living relationship with him now?
Advent prompts us to consider these aspects of his coming. The season is centered in worship and prayer. From that deep, still place (if we will go there), a transformation occurs. Traffic, shopping, and even the busyness are somehow different. We recall the purpose for the preparations. The gifts and greetings are grounded in sharing a gift that we've taken time to open.
At ELC we are in the midst of this Advent journey. If you are close to our Frederick campus or the Urbana Elementary School, you're invited to join our happy group who are preparing inwardly and outwardly.
If you are reading these words from far away, the miracle of the Church means there is a faith community close by that is walking the same path and you will be welcome, too. Remember that you are precious in the eyes of God.
Blessings this Advent and Christmas. Blessings as you rejoice in the mystery and love of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.
Pastor Dave+