Sunday, December 17th - Third Sunday of Advent

“What gift can we bring…?”(UMH #87)

As we enter this last week of Advent, we are reminded that Christmas is a BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION! Alternatives Network publishes an annual booklet called “Whose Birthday is it, Anyway?” In our human sinfulness, we have managed to make Christmas about us instead of Jesus. This week, then, let’s consider how to return our focus to Jesus.

Birthdays are, for Americans, a time to give gifts to the one honored. We show the esteem we hold for them by remembering this special day in their lives. So what and how do we give gifts to Jesus – who was born 2000 years ago, and who is not here to receive those gifts in person?

Traditionally the church has been seen as the “body of Christ’ and so that is where we begin looking. While we are taught to follow in Jesus’ footsteps throughout our world, we work from the “home base” of a local church. And since this Advent we are challenged to see God at work in the life of our church, we look at how we can give our gifts in the life of this congregation...gifts of time, service, support and prayer. What gift will you bring?

HOW DO YOU EXPERIENCE THIS CHURCH AS THE “BODY OF CHRIST?”

Prayer: O God, remind us that we are making this a holy day centering on Jesus and your grace which sent him to our world so that we might become your children and learn how to share your love with our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dr. John Clifford