In the Good News of Christ’s salvation and richness of Christianity’s celebratory traditions (and the uniqueness of Zion’s varied gifts!), we welcome the arrival of Advent and Christmas. Cookies and Advent suppers! Wednesday evening worship services and a posada with the star piñata and Mariachi San Pablo! Caroling and decorating! The Christmas Eve youth and children’s program, candlelight and carols, bells and choirs, trumpets and organ and the sound of the full congregation’s singing praises to God…. All these beloved “little ‘t’ traditions” point us to the cosmic “Big ‘T’ Traditions” of Jesus at Christmas: His Word and Sacrament, His Church, Confession and Forgiveness, Charity, love, and peace in His provision and Grace…
Our Advent Theme:
“Peace Came to Earth”
On Wednesdays this month and in the Youth & Children’s Christmas Program on Dec. 24th, we will grow a deeper appreciation for the peace that comes from Jesus Christ. A series of sermons, a children’s book and song, program led by our young people will help. Convey to all this message as described by the theme authors:
“As Advent leads us to Christmas, we are especially seeking a distinct season of peace. We need a quiet place to rest during this restless time. Often, we grow impatient as we seek peace. Despite knowing the promises of God to provide for us, we might try to find peace on our own. We then define peace according to the ways we seek it. We might imagine that peace comes when we finally have enough of all the things we plan to buy. Or we might look for the perfect place where peace is an undisturbed solitude, the cabin beside a still lake. We might seek peace by escaping memories of the past. Or peace might be an elusive future where everyone does exactly what they should. These are our many ways of defining peace, but sadly, each of these directions could go on and on without ever being fulfilled. Each of our “paths to peace” could go on and on, never being fulfilled. There won’t be enough possessions or perfectly calm places to give us lasting peace. But as we seek peace in these many ways, God intersects us with a peace that both passes our understanding and yet meets our needs. God knows the many ways and directions by which we seek peace. As we journey, God meets us, halts our endless pursuits, and gives us a new understanding of His gift of peace.”
Our aim this month is to bring Jesus to each of you amid your stresses, duties, depressions, worries, ambitions, and obligations that are propelling you on paths in search of peace. As you come upon Jesus in our worship and witness, His will be the source of perfect peace. In His Word proclaimed, sung, and taught at Zion and through the Lord’s supper received, we know that we and our love-ones will be blessed this Christmas.
In Christ’s peace,
Pastor Stephen
This article, news, and information is found in our November 2023 newsletter, available by mail, email, of pickup in the church entryway and office. Let us know if you wish to subscribe to receive this monthly publication.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)