Advent is a season of waiting and preparing for the coming King, Jesus. It's a period of repentance, just as Lent is - which is why we don't say the Gloria in our 08.30 communion service during both those seasons. Not that we can't be thankful and celebrate - but that our focus is slightly and intentionally different. We're encouraged to set aside time to prepare, time to reflect, time to pray. It was great to do that at our Advent service of Light last Sunday night - picture above!
Setting time aside isn't easy! Christmas is busy - cards to write, gifts to buy, services to prepare. Any extra prayer and reflection needs real commitment and planning, an extra dose of obedience and discipline. But perhaps that's the point... May I encourage you to focus on prayer this Advent?
Please continue to pray as we interview three candidates for the position of children and families minister this Saturday. And it would be great to pray for all those who will join us at our Christmas services, that they might be drawn to come along to services , and that they would encounter God in Word, worship and welcome. And to reflect and pray for ourselves, too!
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