From the Pastor
Timing is Everything
A reason for the season of Advent
Perhaps we’ve all gotten so used to the Christmas shopping season starting earlier every year. Perhaps we’re all so jaded about the commercial aspects of the holiday. Perhaps we’re just tired of the
music, the weather, and the crowds that we just don’t care anymore.
All I can say is…Welcome to Advent.
For all the wrong reasons listed above, the weeks before Christmas are days of anticipation. The combination of things that are supposed to make us happy for the birth of Jesus usually have us grouchy, grumpy, and even more grouchy by the time Christmas usually arrives. Welcome to Advent.
The coming of the Son of God did not happen on that first Christmas amid times of calm reflection on the love of God. Jesus came amid turbulent times; among frustrated people. He comes again in a time just like ours, to people just like us.
I want to suggest that we view Advent differently this year. Let’s make a list of all the things that make us crazy in life, or take a survey our neighbors about all the things they think are wrong with the world. Let’s take these weeks before Christmas and use the time to gather up our physical aches and our spiritual pains and lump them all together in a big package and then sit down to have a good talk with God and say, “Lord, here’s the mess we’re in and I don’t know what to do any more. Please help.”
It’s when we’re at the end of our rope, the end of the line at the store, and the end of our patience that the coming of the prince of peace matters. Appreciating Christmas will come when we better appreciate Advent.
So gather up your frustrations! Wrap up all the broken promises you’ve accepted or made! Take up a collection of your anger, disappointments, and hurt feelings and prepare to give them to God this season. But when you’re all done venting, blaming, and running away from the world we live in, then you’ll be ready to recognize God when he appears. Then, when you’re all worn out by life, the newborn baby will reach your soul.
Then, very soon, the world, and you, will be brand new again.
Pastor Dave
First Lutheran Church of Crystal is a member of the ELCA
From the Pastor
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Worship
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School
Held during the 9:30 a.m. worship service.
Kid’s Church
The first Sunday of each month
(no Sunday school).
Children stay with their parents
through the children’s message.
First Lutheran Church of Crystal
7708 - 62nd Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
(763) 537-4576 (phone)
(763) 537-0372 (fax)
