Grace Lutheran Church

From the Pastor

As a kid, I remember getting the house ready for guests. Remember how much preparation there was in making things just right? Remember the closet that held so many miscellaneous items? Remember how quickly the house returned to its former self after guests had arrived?

Or maybe it was getting ready to go out on a date? How long did you stand in front of the mirror before you knew that you were ready?

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Perhaps it was that final test and all the preparation that went into your study? The point is this—preparation and anticipation always elicits action. So how are you getting ready for Advent, because our Jesus is coming?

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The church and the believing community are taken off guard with Advent. We don’t know what to do with it, so we do nothing. After all, Christmas preparation began just after the Fourth of July weekend! Or we hold onto a bit of nostalgia and pull out that same, tired creche in half-hearted anticipation of something that hasn’t changed in two thousand years. And we miss the point, perhaps more than at any time before. No, the real savior is coming. That’s the one who enters our lives and compels us to change. Better said, this one transforms our understanding of life and our relationship with the Creator.

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Maybe what we anticipate is more real in the daily bump and grind of our lives. However, one thing is for sure. We can try all day, but we will never top the one who beats swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. And just maybe this is what you have been looking for. Unless, the daily bump and grind offers you satisfaction and a way out. Have you ever awakened before the alarm went off? We are urged to get ready. This is something you have never seen before, especially at such a premature hour. So get ready. He is coming soon!        

   AND GET BUSY!! THERE IS MUCH MORE LEFT TO DO!

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Gart