The Pastor's Blog

Christmas and Easter are undoubtedly the two most transformative events for Christians and even for humankind as a whole: the coming of Jesus Christ into the world and his death and resurrection.  Both remind us of God’s unconditional and unlimited love for us all.   New Year’s Day, on the other hand simply marks the beginning of another year on our calendar.  In the Old Testament God’s people did celebrate the beginning of what they saw as a new year.  For them it was a day

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.. for a child has been born for us, a son given to us… -Isaiah 9:2, 6   Advent is a season of waiting, expectation, and preparation, as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth while also waiting with heightened expectation to his final return at the end of the age.  But, how did the season of Advent actually become a major part of the church liturgical year?   Well, it all began with the pagans who, back in Neolithic time

As Christians we are beginning our journey through Advent.  It’s my favorite season of the church year.  It is a time that we prepare ourselves for the birth of Christ…something that has already happened in the past.  Yet, at the same time, we long for the day when Christ will come again…something that we anticipate will happen in the future.   When I think of Advent I think of the music of the season.  Yes, I know, I get criticized each year for not singing Christmas carols

November is the beginning of the end of the church liturgical year.  November begins with All Saints’ Sunday and the church calendar ends with Christ the King/The Reign of Christ Sunday.  So, as we approach the end of another church calendar year, what is it that we need to know about the winding down of one Christian year as we prepare for the new year and the more expectant and festive seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany?   All Saints’ Day is part of the season of “A