Advent Series -- Worship Preparation
A helpful word from Pastor Jim, who will be preaching this year's Advent series:
This Sunday we begin a four-part series on the theme of Advent.
As the Lord's people we are recipients of His first Advent, the Lord Jesus' condescension to earth to rescue His people by His sacrificial death and resurrection. Just as those in the first century waited with longing and expectation for the coming Messiah, we now wait with the same longing for the second Advent, for the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).
Over the next four weeks, as a way of focusing our hearts and fixing our gaze upon Christ in His incarnation, we will meditate together on four portraits of our Savior in the gospel narratives. This Sunday's portrait: Jesus, the true Light, from John 1:1-18.
As the "true" light, Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God to man. In Him is the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Cor. 4:4). He is the Light of the world and those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the Light of life (John 8:12).
As you ready your heart to meet with God this Sunday, consider these helps:
- Attend Sunday's congregational prayer meeting, 9:00 am (this week's text: Isaiah 50:4-9)
- Familiarize yourself with the following songs:
- Immortal Invisible God Only Wise
- Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent
- Jesus I Come (Out of My Bondage)
- In Christ Alone
- Come Though Long Expected Jesus
- And Can it Be
- Warm your heart by the fire of John 8 & 9.
Need some advent resources? These have served our family well over the years:
Advent Readings (note: these are from last year, but can be modified with current calender)
Thank you for praying! You are loved!
1 John 1:5,
Jim