Our theme for Advent 2021 is Christmas Together: for all the People. This is based on Luke 2:10 when the angel announced to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
The idea of “Christmas Together” fits perfectly with the message of the church. God has called us to be “together”
in His church. This means that we see ourselves as being part of something greater than just ourselves. Throughout His word God calls His people to experience life together, in community, sharing life, and experiencing the fellowship of the Body of Christ. We are not called to live out our faith alone.
One of the greatest temptations we face is to reduce the church to merely a weekly activity. Being part of God’s
church is not just something we schedule into our planning calendars. We are not part of the church – we are the
church, a community of Christ-followers. God created the church to be a lifestyle for His people. The church is
God’s creation, enabling followers of Jesus to be able to live in a loving community. Together.
Our weekly themes during Advent are as follows:
Hope – Seek Together
Love – Serve Together
Joy – Come Together
Peace – Worship Together
Our world is starving for a community, for together. One of the unintended results of the COVID lockdowns is an increase in drug use, alcohol consumption, depression, and even suicide. This is because there is a need for each of
us to experience intimate relationships within a broader community. This is why the church is so important.
What a blessing to be part of the Body of Christ! What a joy to be able to dwell in a community with the Family of
God! The greatest gift we can give this Christmas is to share the Good News of great joy with all the people, and
then invite them to experience community – together – with the church family.
This Christmas let us not lose focus of what it means to be together.
Have a blessed Christmas.
Your servant in Christ,
pastor mike