FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

The season of Advent is upon us. For many it is an exciting time of the year. Decorating the house, putting up a Christmas tree, making meals for Christmas dinner and get-togethers/parties with friends. Gift-buying galore. We believe there is so much to do, and everything must be perfect. But does it?

For others it is not as happy a time. It's a time of mourning the loss of a loved one or a specific way it was in the past. It's a time of loneliness not having those we love around us. It can be a stressful time wondering where the money for food, gifts and extra travel is coming from or just the stress of trying meet the expectations we and society put on us.

But what is the season of Avent supposed to be about? The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which translates as coming or arrival. For Christians it is the anticipation of the coming of the Lord and Savior, the Messiah. We celebrate it each week in church the lighting of thr Advent candles -- Hope, peace, joy, and love.

Let's focus on the second week of Advent, the peace candle. The peace candle signifies the clearing of our minds and hearts, finding a calm knowing our Savior is coming. It is also known as the preparation candle. Referring to it as the preparation candle gives it a different meaning in my heart and mind. It puts the work on us. What do we need to prepare for the coming of out Lord?

One of the ways to prepare is to live the life that Christ wants us to live. Christ does not care about who has the largest Christmas tree, the fanciest house, ot the most expensive presents. He wants us to slow down, take more time for God and the people around us. I'm not saying you shouldn't decorate, put up a tree, of buy gifts for others, but I am asking you to take time each day during this season and prepare for our Savior's coming. Move the focus from ourselves and what we want and focus on what our Savior would want us to do. Help those is need. Buy extra food and donate to the local food pantry, help a neighbor you know is struggling, look around your community and see what is needed. But most important, PRAY and take quiet time with the Lord to truly listen to what he wants us to do. Be patient and listen to what the Lord is telling you to do and the rest will fall into place.

Blessings,

Heather Stone