From Pastor's Desk
Each December we start a new church year. Each church year starts with the celebration of Advent. What does Advent even mean? Advent means the coming or “arrival” of an important event or person. Just like our family makes preparations when we expect the arrival of a really important person in our lives, so does the church. There are two advents. The first Advent is when we celebrate the coming of our Savior, Jesus. That Advent became reality when Jesus was born at Bethlehem. Jesus came to fulfill God’s plan for our salvation. Jesus fulfilled that plan of Salvation through his death and resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection is good news, because He conquered death and the devil. We now are in the Second Advent, waiting for Jesus’ return to Earth. Yes, He is coming again! Advent is when we remember that Jesus will come again. God tells us in Scripture how we are to prepare for Jesus’ Second Coming. Consider Romans 13:11-14 NIV: 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. We can put that Armor of God’s light on every day of our lives as we wait Christ’s Second Advent. We can wake each day knowing we are completely cleansed and forgiven because of Jesus’ first coming. You are already ready for Jesus to come again! God tells us the time is almost here. Allow Jesus’ light to shine in you and to the world through you. Live as a redeemed and forgiven child, made strong in faith by the living Savior, Jesus. Daily read God’s Word in the Bible. Daily remember your baptism. Look forward with joy to the time when Jesus comes again to take all believers to heaven. [Prayer] Dear Jesus, thank You for being our Savior. You are indeed Someone Special. Remind us to ask forgiveness when we have done wrong. Help us remember that each of us is someone special to You. Because of Your forgiveness, help us to remain prepared for Your coming again. Help us to tell others about You, so they too will be prepared. In Your dear name we pray. Amen. [Partly taken from Chapel Talks 2008–2009 Jesus Gives Me Strength Page 16. LCMS]
LWML
Thank You Ft. Wayne Seminary Food Bank - November 19 th is the last day for collecting seasonal baking supplies for the seminarians and their families. These items will be taken to the seminary shortly after. Thank you to everyone who donated to this project
Poinsettias
Christmas Poinsettias can remind us that Jesus Birth Is the Reason!!! Please help the Altar Guild beautify our church altar again this Christmas. How?? Contact Deb Oberhaus: 419-980- 0979.
