With the year coming to a close, our thoughts turn to Advent. It is a wonderful time of year, with many Churches having special activities and worship. Children are involved in Christmas Pageants. Youth create special events like Christmas in Bethlehem. Adults have Church School gatherings. In all of these activities, we strive to remember the Christ child, who stepped out of Heaven to walk among us on earth. How can we emphasize that message in the midst of all of the celebrations?

There are also those who experience the Christmas Blues. Maybe they had a death in the family around Christmas time. Or perhaps they are alone, away from family during the Advent season. Either way, they need support and encouragement. How about making a list of members who haven’t been in a while and reaching out to them to let them know that the Church cares? There are probably some people that stopped coming during the pandemic and haven’t found their way back yet. You could reach out to them to invite them to join you for a Christmas Eve service. A personal invite may help them find their way back into fellowship.

Advent is the start of the Christian Year, as we once more begin to tell the story of the Christ. This year, find a balance between all of the activity and reaching out to those who have been isolated and alone. The joy you share will enrich the community of believers in the year ahead.