And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.  (John 1: 14)

“Enfleshed” is our theme for worship this Advent.  Advent pretty much comes with its own theme – it is the season we prepare for the coming of Jesus.  The thing is, there are SO MANY things going on at the same time as Advent that don’t prepare us for the coming of Jesus.  My hope is that worship every Sunday for the next few weeks will focus us on “God in the flesh.”  God coming in Jesus.  God alive in you and me. 

The following are the scriptures we’ll look at.  Take time to read these on your own.  Mark them in a Bible at your house.  Google them on your phone.  Make your own notes about them.

• John 1: 1-18
• Romans 13: 11-14
• Matthew 3: 1-12
• Matthew 11: 2-11
• Matthew 1: 18-25

You’ll notice there is a lot of John the Baptist in there.  He’s not the merriest of people from the New Testament, but he is a powerful embodiment of messenger and seeker of the Christ.  His grittiness reminds us how desperately we need Jesus.  And that we need to be Jesus for others. 

I also encourage you to plan your Christmas Eve around our 5:00 p.m. service.  Invite friends and family to come with you.  It’s not the numbers I’m concerned about.  Celebrating Jesus’ birth in worship is the soul of the holiday.  If not our church – find a place to be in community to welcome the Christ Child.

Peace,

Emily