CHRISTMAS AT ST. MATTHEW

Christmas is an amazing time of year. It seems that the whole world looks forward to it with ever building anticipation. It is like a breath of fresh air from the anger and hatred and struggle of our lives; a time when the words love and joy and peace and hope again seem possible in our lives and in our world. Yet, life seems to move so fast – especially in December - that we often miss what we are looking for and seek, especially during this time of the year.

The word Advent means “coming.” It has been celebrated for over a thousand years by Christians who were looking to slow things down so they wouldn’t miss what Christmas is all about; the coming of a God who “gets us,” is with us, who loves us…and this God who is coming again to set all things right. Advent begins the 4th Sunday before Christmas. It is a time of joyful, anticipatory worship, times to be with one another in various gatherings – sometimes sharing a meal – where the kingdom of the coming Savior is anticipated and shared, and opportunities to live in His kingdom brand new through acts of love.

We slow down so we don’t miss the gift of a Savior who is with us and who changes everything!