LifeTIMES
A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! by Pastor David Lippitt
I
t’s The MostWonderful Time of the Year! to quote the lyrics of the song sung by the late Andy Williams. The snows are falling (up north, that is). People are busy preparing for countless parties. And 2012 is sloooowly winding down, down, down. And we in the church are preparing to celebrate our Lord’s Advent once again. We seem to go through the same motions every year. The wreath of five candles is displayed ornately in the chancel, while the sounds of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” fill the vaulted spaces of the sanctuary. For an evergrowing number of people in our society, the period of time from Advent to Christmas means nothing more than an excuse to party and to shop. And the true meaning of the season is lost in the shuffle. Christians are different. We make no claim to the value and importance that our culture finds in this wonderful time of the year. Christians are first and foremost expectant people. Like watchmen on the tower, we are called to be constantly alert to the in-breaking of God’s Kingdom in the world. This, of course, requires a readiness of mind and a commitment to take seriously the prophet Isaiah’s proclamation “Prepare the way of the Lord!” Yes, you and I are God’s chosen messengers to His world. We are called to bear the Good News of God’s love for all people. It is a word about what God has done in Jesus Christ. Moreover, it is —continues on Page 3
December 2012 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
December 2012