Welcome to the first Sunday in Advent, dear fellow disciples of Jesus!
We once again prepare ourselves for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as a little baby, born in a humble manger. We prepare ourselves spiritually for this most blessed event by praying, repenting, and thanking our most merciful God. We thank God for sending us Baby Jesus who will one day redeem us all. We thank God for sending us the Holy Spirit who walks with us each and every day. We thank God for the opportunity to live our eternal life with him, through Jesus’ saving Grace.
When I was a little girl, a very long time ago, I remember the great thrill of lighting the Advent wreath with my family. I remember my parents reading from the Bible, as we prepared to welcome Jesus once again. It was a happy and hopeful time, when each member of my family was allowed the honor of lighting one candle each week until it was finally time for Blessed Jesus’ birth. Our parents taught us that no matter what was going on in our world, Jesus was coming to be the light of the whole world. Through Jesus, we are never lost; in fact we are found and treasured, even with all our shortcomings. Advent is a beautiful time of beginnings…once again.
In our Gospel and the readings of today, we are reminded to conduct ourselves in a manner that would please God. We are reminded to love another. We are to be guided by God’s truth in all things. We are to be good and kind to one another, each day on our journey home to Heaven. We are to live our lives as disciples of Jesus always. We are to be ready for the second coming of Jesus, even though no one knows when that will be. If we are following Jesus’ example, we will be ready whenever that time comes.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, our Savior, and our Mighty Redeemer is coming to save the world.
God Bless all of you and your families!
Love,
Candace Niblett