Prayer of the Week

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation,

that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a

mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Goal Setting For 2011

Hope this is helpful as you are goal setting for 2011.

Advent- The Coming of the Kingdom

Last Sunday was a very special day on the Church calendar. It was the first Sunday of the Season of Advent and the beginning of the new liturgical year. Happy New Year!

I believe that Advent is probably my favorite season of the church year. It is a blended season - a mixture of hope, repentance, and joy. In this season we look back at Jesus' first advent when He came as the babe in the manger. But we also look ahead to His second coming and the establishing of His kingdom in its fullness. Meanwhile, Christ comes to all who are willing to receive Him.

Over the next weeks I will post thoughts about the season of Advent. So, check back from time to time. But there is one truth that we must begin to embrace if we are to have the impact on the world around us.

That truth is that the kingdom of God has already come and it is coming. Now I know that sounds like double talk but it is not. Let me explain. When Jesus came in the first advent his kingdom came to earth. His rule and reign is already established. So as we go about doing good and sharing the Gospel in real ways, His kingdom is expanded.

There is another part of this in that when Christ comes in His second coming it will be the consummation of all things and His kingdom will be made real in its fullness.

One problem that many Christ-followers have is they are just waiting for the second coming. They are ready to escape the world. But that was not the message that Jesus taught. He wants us right in the middle of the world sharing the love of the Father with all those around. So stop just looking for an escape and begin to expand the kingdom of God through your service to others this Advent Season.

Prayer of the Week

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the HolySpirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.