December 3 – First Sunday of Advent
So that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~1 Corinthians 1:3-9

The new church year begins with a season of waiting. Paul’s words to the church in Corinth is a reminder to us today. As a community of faith- a whole-you are not lacking any spiritual gift. While you wait, it is time to see what ways the gifts of the whole body of Christ can be used to share the good news. 

December 10 – Second Sunday of Advent
A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. ~Isaiah 40:3-4

What is in the way of your path to God? Is it other little gods like money, material items, or distractions? The call is to clear these obstacles from our path and simplify. Think of how straight and smooth your life might be when God is given top priority and the obstacles put into proper perspective. 

December 17- Third Sunday of Advent
He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. ~John 1:7-8

As Christians we work to make sure that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Our Christmas cards and decorations provide a witness to our faith. How can we continue this same witness the rest of the year? How do we steward the good news in the off-season?