From the Pastor's Desk

"Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, oh Israel." During these weeks of Advent we have been singing this refrain every time we prepare to hear the reading of the Gospel. It is especially fitting at that point in our worship, because there is one of the places where Emmanuel, Jesus, the Word become flesh, comes to us…through God's Word.

But that's not the only place God comes to us. Along with coming to us in worship, in His Word and in Holy Communion, God also comes into the dark places of his creation and of our lives…the places where people are hurting or sick or suffering or lonely. As the one verse in "It Came upon the Midnight Clear" goes, "And you, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow; look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing; oh, rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing!" God doesn't leave us alone, forsaken. God comes among us. And that is our reason for Hope, for Joy and for Peace in this wonderful season.

As the last weekend in Advent approaches, the Sunday School children will be helping us hear the Christmas story at the 11am service this coming Sunday, December 19. There will be shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph and some wonderful singing by the children. This is a wonderful way to experience the wonder and joy of the Christmas message…through our children helping to tell the story. At the 6pm and 8:30am services Pastor Jack will be sharing "An Advent Monologue" by Walt Wangerin Jr. (If you get "The Lutheran" be sure to read "Jesus. Him." on page 28 of the recent December 2010 issue by Wangerin.)

Because of the upcoming Christmas Home Alone Dinner here at church and all of the other preparations and activities at this time of the year, our Wednesday suppers are taking a little recess, but will resume on Wednesday January 5.

As we enter the last days of Advent, may they be filled with Hope, Peace and Joy for you and yours. See you in church!

Pastor A.C. 'Jack' Diehl III