Soon we will be singing that great line from “Joy to the World” as part of our Christmas worship, but between here and Christmas we have this season of Advent. Advent is a season of anticipation where we make room in our hearts for Christ. The season of Advent can help us prepare our hearts for Christmas in two ways: by unpacking them and by expanding them to receive anew the astonishing and mysterious gift of God with Us, Emmanuel. We unpack our hearts in confession and in self-reflection. We expand our hearts by remembering the longing of Israel for the coming Messiah and by reminding ourselves that our King is going to come again.

Advent is the beginning of the church calendar and a truly special season, but it can easily slip away from us as we attend holiday parties and shop for Christmas and get swept up in the wave of activity that always accompanies this time of year. In the midst of the frenzy, I want to remind you of a couple of simple ways to make room for Christ. These simple ways to unpack and expand ourselves, through prayer and generosity.

First, every Wednesday in Advent we will gather together for morning prayer, so make plans to join us at Central Lutheran from 8:15–8:45.

Second, as you begin your Christmas shopping, would you consider buying a pair or multiple pairs of children’s shoes? During the whole month of December, we will be collecting shoes for orphans as part of the Buckner International shoe drive.

Click here to learn more about the great work Buckner International does and the amazing impact a pair of shoes can have on someone who needs them.