Greetings … and Happy New Year! 

This coming Sunday marks the beginning of the Season of Advent, a time for Christians when we are called to start our preparations for Christmas and the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us.

Yet Jesus comes not only in the vulnerability of a tiny baby, but also in glory as the Son of Man, a tension that Advent holds together as we celebrate what has happened and what we are still hoping for.

Many homes have the tradition of an Advent calendar.  This year I would like to invite you to participate in the Names of Jesus Advent Calendar.  If you come to church you will see this displayed, but it is something that we can all participate in at home.  The calendar invites us to read a bible verse and reflect on a different name of Jesus each day, pondering what that understanding of Jesus means for us.  My encouragement is that, starting 1 December, you might find 10 minutes each day to do this.

So, let’s make a start …

1 December:     The Word                              John 1:14

2 December:     I Am                                         John 8:58

3 December:     Son of God                           Luke 1:35

4 December:     Redeemer                             Isaiah 59:20

5 December:     Light of the World         John 8:12

The lead up to Christmas can be a busy time.  This Advent, may we all find some moments of quiet where we are able to reflect on Jesus, Immanuel, God with us.

Blessings – Heather.