The 4 weeks leading up to Christmas are called “Advent” – a wonderful time of year, which begins this Sunday with “The First Sunday of Advent.” The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival” – and it’s a special time of waiting, of preparing, of expecting the coming of Jesus Christ. Advent is 4 weeks of “great expectations!” It can be a time to think about the goodness of God in your life and in human history. You’ve received an Advent Calendar from TPK, which invites you to “open a door” each day of Advent (beginning this Sunday), and think about how you can be preparing for Christ’s coming, or something you are thankful for in your family life. That’s a wonderful thing to do with your children over the breakfast or dinner table during the coming days of December…

In the season of Advent we focus on the coming of Christ – in two ways:
1. His First Coming, as the baby of Bethlehem 2000 years ago. He came to us than as “Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” (Read Luke chapters 1 and
2. His Second Coming, as the Savior of the World who will return and make all that is wrong with this world right. The Bible tells us that He will come as the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. (Read I Thessalonians 4:13-18). We know from history when He came the first time, but we don’t know when He will come the second time! But we are told to watch and wait for Him.

At Truro Church we love to celebrate Advent. One of our big celebrations will be a very fun evening on Sunday, Dec. 10th – Carols for Glowsticks! It’s very much a family-oriented event with lots of singing and surprises especially geared for young families, and we’d love to see you there! (Presentations are at 4 and 6pm.)

May God bless you and family in this season of Advent. May it be full of quiet joy and wonder.

Coleman Tyler
TPK Chaplain
Associate Pastor, Truro Church