Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a son is given;
And the government will be upon his shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It used to be that I would feel the Season of Advent approaching with excitement and building anticipation. You know how that is: all the lights, the music of the season, the Advent wreath in worship and on the dining table at home, the countdown calendars and paper chains (with young children at home), the Christmas tree, the decorations, the Nativity scenes, and on and on.
As I get older, though, I find myself experiencing the approaching Season of Advent and celebration of Christmas with a deep yearning for quiet reverence and time to retreat and sense the great mystery of Immanuel, God-with-us, as we remember and celebrate the birth of Christ.
Accordingly, I plan to go on a two-night, two and a half day retreat to the Abbey of St. Walburga north of Ft. Collins in mid-December, so that I might enter more fully into the mystery of God-with-us and be better prepared to help lead our congregation in the worship of God in this sacred season. I commit myself to praying for each of you to be able to find the time and the means to pay attention to your spiritual needs, as well, so that this season might be one of nurture, centering, and growth in your love for and life with Christ.
God's blessings to you and your families as we approach this beautiful time of year and turn our attention to participating in the mystery of the Incarnation, the embodiment of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
Drawing near with you to the warmth and the light of the glowing embers in the manger,
Pastor Steve
And the government will be upon his shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It used to be that I would feel the Season of Advent approaching with excitement and building anticipation. You know how that is: all the lights, the music of the season, the Advent wreath in worship and on the dining table at home, the countdown calendars and paper chains (with young children at home), the Christmas tree, the decorations, the Nativity scenes, and on and on.
As I get older, though, I find myself experiencing the approaching Season of Advent and celebration of Christmas with a deep yearning for quiet reverence and time to retreat and sense the great mystery of Immanuel, God-with-us, as we remember and celebrate the birth of Christ.
Accordingly, I plan to go on a two-night, two and a half day retreat to the Abbey of St. Walburga north of Ft. Collins in mid-December, so that I might enter more fully into the mystery of God-with-us and be better prepared to help lead our congregation in the worship of God in this sacred season. I commit myself to praying for each of you to be able to find the time and the means to pay attention to your spiritual needs, as well, so that this season might be one of nurture, centering, and growth in your love for and life with Christ.
God's blessings to you and your families as we approach this beautiful time of year and turn our attention to participating in the mystery of the Incarnation, the embodiment of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
Drawing near with you to the warmth and the light of the glowing embers in the manger,
Pastor Steve
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