December, 2007 Each year, as the Thanksgiving Season concludes and the Advent Season begins, I have two thoughts. One is, “I cannot believe the year is nearly gone and a new year is almost here”, and the other is, “I really look forward to experiencing the Advent Season with the family of God, especially with the one here at Lakeside Community Church!” Of course this is always a busy season with a full schedule preparing for the Adult and Children’s Christmas Musicals, along with other Christmas and Advent ministry opportunities as well as getting ready for family Christmas gatherings. But what a beautiful time of year it is to be reminded that Jesus came to be our “wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6b) I read an interesting story, which made an excellent point that I want to share with you. The story was about a group of children who were decorating their Sunday School room for Christmas and they were arranging the figurines of Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child for a little manager scene. They lit two candles and carefully placed them in various positions until the light feel exactly where they wanted it to shine. One child excitedly said, ‘Be sure Jesus shows!’ What an appropriate reminder that statement is for us as we begin the Advent Season and move toward the time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. In the midst of programs, musical productions, gift buying and giving, and many other season related responsibilities, it is so very important to remember that Jesus is the focus of the season we call Christmas and He really is the reason we have Advent celebrations! How wonderful it would be, if during this joyous season of the year, we would daily live out that thought, ‘Be sure that Jesus shows!’. Like the candles in the children’s Sunday School classroom manger scene, with God’s help, we can direct attention to Christ through our daily actions and words and proclaim to our family, friends, and neighbors the truth of Matthew, chapter one, in which an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and said in verse 21: “She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” The scripture goes on to say in Matthew 1:22-23, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel – which means, ‘God with us’.” With God’s help let’s do our best to let the Love, Joy, Peace, and Forgiveness of Christ ‘show through’ each day. I pray that God will bless you with a joyous and meaningful Advent and holiday season. Don’t forget to worship the Lord through all of the regular services and special events of the Advent Season. See you Sunday!
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