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Advent Season Approaching

Hi there everyone,
 
            I hope your week has been going well.  Looks like we are getting a small taste of winter this week.  My brother lives in Merritt, BC and on top of all the complications of covid, now they have been evacuated because of the rain.  It just keeps reminding me that we have so very much to be thankful for.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and all the gifts that He has given us.  Let us also pray for those who are struggling, both nearby and far away.
 
            In ten days, we will begin the Advent Season.  This is a beautiful time where we prepare for the coming of Jesus as a baby born in a manger.  We are going to be preaching a four-week series called “When Heaven Speaks” (https://youtu.be/8FyVxj3BzNg ) in preparation for Christmas as well as lighting candles each week in our services and having readings.
 
Advent Season is a very special time of year that sometimes gets lost in the bright lights of the Christmas season it precedes. The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical (or church) calendar and begins a four-week period of preparation in anticipation of the nativity of Jesus at Christmas. 
 
The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth in the world as it is today.  It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music, and good deeds what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is. There are many different traditions associated with the four weeks of Advent. 
 
The Advent season invites us to step away from what can be a frenzied time of parties and shopping to consider how we commemorate the birth of Jesus, one of the holiest times in Christian faith. It is also a time to reflect on the triumphant return of Jesus at the second coming. 
 
            I hope that you will be able to find ways to prepare yourself as well for the celebration of our Lord Jesus’ birth.  Don’t let the busyness of the season distract you from what it is truly all about.
 
            This weekend will be the last in our James series “Faith that Works”. I will be talking about a faith that keeps us humble and will be focusing on James 4.
 
            Thank you to everyone who gave to the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box campaign.  I know God will bless your generosity and use it to draw kids to Himself. 
 
            Just a reminder that we are still raising money to help Paul and Chantelle bring much needed care to young Rohingya moms.  For $400 we can provide support and training and encouragement to a mom.  We are hoping to help fifteen of these moms. 
 
            I am looking forward to seeing you on the weekend.
 
            I love being your pastor.
 
Pastor Tim