Beginning of Advent

From Church Member Ellie M:

          T'was the Night before Advent,
             our time to prepare
              for the birth of our Savior,
             the angels declare ............
        

     In Luke, chapter 2, verses 1 - 20  , we read again the Christmas story      Joseph, betrothed to Mary, was a descendant of David (yes, King David), so he, Joseph was ordered by the Emperor, to go to Bethlehem (David's home town) to register for the census.  That is why they had to journey that distance at the very time Mary was nearing her time to deliver her child.  Many people also were told to go for this important registration for the census, hence we understand why the town of Bethlehem was so crowded.  As the story goes, they were hurried off to a place where Mary delivered her baby, a humble stable, where there were animals sheltered as well.  Scripture tells us: "and Mary remembered these things, and thought deeply about them".    I am thinking deeply about them too and wondering if Mary and Joseph were prepared for this very important event ???  Was Bethlehem prepared ??, Are we prepared today???

     What does it mean to be prepared?  Webster’s dictionary describes it this way:
      1.  to make ready, usually for a specific purpose
      2.  to ,make oneself ready
      3.  to equip with the necessary provisions
      4.  to put together, according to plan, even music
     Advent is our time to prepare and some ways to accomplish preparation may be 1. To familiarize again with the history and facts surrounding Jesus' birth.  Read in Isaiah chapter 40, verses 1-6.  The Prophet Isaiah proclaims that the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it.  Secondly, (2), to make oneself ready, sing along with the Messiah community choirs, who invite you to sing "Prepare Ye the way of the Lord"  In community with others, we sing and celebrate "Behold the Lamb of God"    "For unto us a Child is given"   "Hallelujah" ......These words, according to the majesty of music, brings us into preparation.  Of course the practice of prayer and meditation takes us even further into spiritual preparation.  Another way, thirdly (3) to prepare is to equip with the necessary provisions : a green Christmas tree, a star on top, wreaths of lush greenery, a beautiful rose on the altar, all symbols of God's creation and love.  "Oh Christmas Tree", how lovely are your branches.  Lastly , (4) prepare by putting together, according to plan your participation in the nativity.  Assemble the props, such as robes and staffs, Shepherds and animals to set the stage. Visualize and witness the children in pageant.  Realize the place, the smells, the humble-ness of the babe on a bed of straw.  As Tony sings "Sweet Little Jesus Boy, we didn't know who He was".......
     We have only 26 days in Advent, to prepare   ---   Advent began November 28, 2010; Advent ends December 24, 2010.

Go forth and Prepare the way of the Lord........   and you will feel the blessings of the Lord our God.

HOPE

          H   is for healing

          O   is for optimism

          P   is for prayer

          E   is for eternal

From JoAnn, a member of our church

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

John Wesley

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson