Looking towards Advent

And so it begins....

November is quickly rushing by. The leaves fall like rain from the trees. The night comes so quickly, and the dark hours are long.

The world is beginning her time of renewal; preparing for the season of barrenness.

The Church is also preparing. There must be a time of renewal to prepare the way for the coming of Messiah. In our Church, that time is called Advent.

Advent. The new church year is almost here. A time to prepare our hearts for that greatest of gifts. A time of reflection about the year that has past and the hopes for our future.

So as you begin your week of being thankful--this last week of the Church's year--begin to ask how God is going to change you this season.

This blog will be a place that you can escape to during your busy holiday weeks. We will reflect on the Scripture, on the coming Christ-child, on the wonder that can fill your heart this time of year. You are invited to experience Advent as we wait for Jesus' birth.

Let us begin with today's lectionary reading from Psalm 100:

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.