Advent 2019: Keeping Watch in Advent

Daily Advent Reflection from Pastor Fritz Wiese.

A Christ Our Shepherd Advent Journey, Day 24 in Advent.

^“ While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.    And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7

Dear COS Friend,

We began this journey of Advent email devotionals by smiling at the “The Elf on the Shelf” experience. We noted that in this new tradition created by Georgians Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, parents move a little elf doll to different locations in the house each evening after the kids go to bed.  When the kids awake, their job is to search for their family elf to find its new perch.

So. too, Jesus can be found in all kinds of different places in our lives, bringing new joy and life. I want to thank all the COS disciples who took a turn sharing their perspectives on keeping the “Advent Watch” this season and where they saw the Lord showing up.  You’ve added to the richness of our Advent preparation of the Lord’s coming afresh!   (And let’s also throw in another round of applause for those responsible for Blue Christmas, the Angel & Star Tree Giving Experience, Advent Family Night, Moravian Love Feast, Hops & Hymns Holiday Style, Advent Wreath & Greenery Morning, and more!)

But today we move from preparation to full out celebration. That’s good news as our kids shout out in games, “ready or not, here we come!”    Despite our best efforts at preparing the royal highway, Christ comes!  Mary and Joseph weren’t fully ready for Jesus to come. And neither are we. But Jesus comes! And it’s marvelous.

So see you at one of the services today:  4:30pm, 6:30pm, 8:30pm or 10:30pm.

May you feel Christ’s love and passion for you tonight . . . . and this new year!

In Christ’s hope,

Pastor Fritz