Pastor's Blog

              Luke 2: 8-12 (NIV)

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

         From The Pastors Pen:

This coming week we will shift from November to December. Just think, it’s only 25 days ‘til Christmas! As each day passes one does not need a calendar to know that we are coming upon Christmas and the Advent season quickly. The Christmas displays have been out since before Halloween in some stores, it seems that each year society wants to hurry along with the Christmas season. For me I just don’t understand that! I want to take the time to not only look forward in anticipation for the holiday season but enjoy it with the love and fellowship of family and friends.

Life already seems to pass us by so quickly as it is, why hurry it. Allow the Lord to speak to your heart, allow Him to make you like those shepherds out in the fields on that dark and stary night, obedient to His call. Make the time to set all your distractions and worries aside, surrendering yourself fully to the Lord. Go inward and surround yourself in the Lord’s presence, be still, feel the warmth of His love, and listen for that still small voice that beckons you in the stillness of your heart.

In the busyness of the season feel the Lord’s presence and the calmness only He can bring to you. He’s there, just waiting to invite you to stop and reflect, to savor the precious moments of each day, for those are truly a gift he has given us. Let’s not pass them by. I encourage you to seek the Lord more reverently and fully during this holiday season, so that you may draw closer to Him. The Christmas season ahead is a wonderful time of family gatherings, gifts, and other expressions of love to be shared with one other, so I once again invite you to be still and capture each moment.

For Christians, this coming season, what we call Advent, is a time of reflection, celebration, affirmation, and a time of reconciliation not only for others but for ourselves. We here, at Williamson Road COB come together as a congregation of believers in activities like Hanging of the Greens, decorating our Chrismon Tree, lighting an Advent wreath, enjoying a Holiday meal as we fellowship with one another. We also lift up our voices as we sing Christmas hymns, we exchange Christmas cards, and then on Christmas eve we gather as brothers and sisters in Christ and humbly go before the Lord sharing the Bread and Cup of Communion.

The seasons come and go quickly. Sometimes we are moving through them so quickly we hardly have time to reflect on what we experience in the midst of them. So, before we begin the rush toward the end of this year, I want us to consider for a few minutes the four themes that are emphasized during the weeks of Advent, they are Hope, Peace, Joy,

and Love. I once again encourage you to reflect and listen to that still small voice that is calling you to go inward this Christmas season.

Each year during Advent we light candles as we prepare for the coming of Christ. With each candle lit we invite more and more light in as we watch and wait for our Lord and Savior, the Light of the World. The God of promise comes into our darkness to renew our Hope, our Joy, our Peace, and our love. As we go forward into this Advent season let us be reminded of what Paul wrote to us in 2 Corinthians 13:11; Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

This Christmas allow Christ to come to the manager of your heart, bringing to you His love and peace. I encourage you to Take time this Christmas to unwrap the presence of Christ in your life.

Merry Christmas to each of you and may your holiday be blessed with the love of family and friends.

In Christs Love and Blessings,

Pastor Susan