Church newsletter pastoral column for St. Peter Lutheran Church, Greene, Iowa, for December, 2018.
An Abundant Advent
As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’
– Luke 3:4
Advent is a season of preparation, of getting ready. It’s a countdown to the great celebration of Christmas, when Jesus our Savior is born among us. John the Baptist echoes the call of the prophet Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord!” How do we prepare for Christ’s coming?
One way to prepare for the birth of Jesus is to recognize and appreciate the work God is doing around us. In this time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I encourage you to take stock of your blessings. Pay attention to the ways God is at work around you and in you. Prepare your heart to celebrate Christmas by celebrating the abundant life God has given you.
This year, our theme for Wednesday worship services is “Celebrating Abundance” based off of an Advent devotional book by Walter Brueggemann. As we’ve talked about a lot (especially this last month!), we are blessed by God in order to be a blessing to others. And the greatest blessing of all, the best Christmas present ever, is Jesus himself, God’s abundant love in the flesh.
Advent is about waking up, noticing the world around us, and celebrating the incredible love of our Savior who came to live among us, and who died for us so that we might live – not just in this world, but in God’s kingdom for all eternity.
I hope you’ll be able to come to supper and worship each Wednesday during Advent as a way to prepare your hearts for the coming of the messiah. May you recognize the abundant, overflowing love God has for you, and may God continue to bless you in this holiday season and always.
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Daniel Flucke