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Green Pastures and Still Waters
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This week we will begin our Advent observations and meditations. Advent means "arrival" and the focus is two-fold; we remember that Jesus Christ has come (first advent) and we look forward to the fact that He is coming again (second advent). Some churches place much more emphasis on Advent than we do and some ignore the so-called church calendar completely. I think I would have ignored it myself if not for my bride. Back when Tim and Tom were little boys they were already getting sucked into the materialism of the "season" and Diane was looking for a way to help keep them focused on Jesus. She likes candles any way 
but the Advent Candle is a helpful way to remember the various aspects of the Incarnation and the special themes associated with this marvel of God's story. Most of Christendom knows by now that Jesus is not really the reason for the season but that is not the point. The point is that we want to keep Jesus in the Season! Too often He gets pushed out of everything and the One for Whom all things exist is barely a memory. I'm glad Diane brought the Advent ideals to our family and I'm happy to participate in these meditations over the next four weeks as we count down the days to Christmas. My goal and prayer is that our Calvary family will think more highly of Jesus Christ than they ever have and that the gospel of His Kingdom will be proclaimed "in our going" throughout this month.
but the Advent Candle is a helpful way to remember the various aspects of the Incarnation and the special themes associated with this marvel of God's story. Most of Christendom knows by now that Jesus is not really the reason for the season but that is not the point. The point is that we want to keep Jesus in the Season! Too often He gets pushed out of everything and the One for Whom all things exist is barely a memory. I'm glad Diane brought the Advent ideals to our family and I'm happy to participate in these meditations over the next four weeks as we count down the days to Christmas. My goal and prayer is that our Calvary family will think more highly of Jesus Christ than they ever have and that the gospel of His Kingdom will be proclaimed "in our going" throughout this month. - Details
While I enjoy this time of the year very much I am often grieved over a very common oversight. It is popular to be thankful but so often it is gratitude to no one in particular. This was not the gratitude of the apostles and the Pilgrims were not just "thankful", they were thankful TO GOD. Whether we eat or drink or celebrate Thanksgiving let's do it all to the glory of God. Our gratitude should be to the One who made all things, sustains all things and for whom all things exist! Please be thankful today--but be thankful to God who is the source of all blessing. "Give thanks TO THE LORD, our God and King, His love endures forever!"