Greetings St. John’s Lutheran Church!

Jesus said: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”–Luke 21:25-28

Can you remember crossing the road as a small child? Maybe you remember teaching your own children, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren to complete this everyday task. What steps do you take? Does this sound familiar? –Stop, look both ways, listen for traffic, hold hands with an adult, and cross. In many ways, engaging with the season of Advent is like preparing to cross the road.

STOP

December is often a hectic month filled with events like parties and school concerts as well as long to-do lists that include buying gifts, decorating the house, and preparing holiday meals. In the church season of Advent, we are encouraged to take a break and make room for God.

LOOK

It’s easy for our focus to narrow to the next task, the next item on our to-do list. In Advent, we are encouraged to “raise our heads” and look around. Where do you see signs of God’s presence? Too often, we only notice how people get in our way or fail to be polite, but where do we see others showing kindness and generosity to one another? Take notice!

LISTEN

Our ears are already filled with commercial slogans and advertisement jingles everywhere we go. In Advent, we are invited to hear sounds that tell us God is near. What sounds tell you Christmas is coming? Seasonal music, church bells, the silence of snow, fire crackling in the fireplace?

HOLD HANDS

It’s easy to get isolated when we are incredibly busy, but Advent is a time to reconnect and reach out to others. How can we bring the spirit of Christ to others? Reach out with a phone call, a story, a meal, a visit, a smile.

In the church season of Advent, we are encouraged to stop, pay attention, and connect. How is God’s presence breaking into our busy lives? This month, every household is welcome to take an Advent Star Devotional provided by United Lutheran Seminary with a Bible passage and prayer for each day of Advent (December 1st-24th). Let us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus!

In Christ, Pastor Kat