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Last Sunday, Rachel Johnson began our Advent season by sharing how Jesus coming to earth allows us to know what God is like. The incarnation, God taking on human flesh, is at the heart of Christmas. Rachel did an excellent job of tying in the Old Testament with Hebrews 1:1-3 as she used the Old Testament as well as the life of Jesus to show how Jesus reveals God’s power, His love, and His grace to us. This week we will continue the series by looking at how Jesus coming to earth redefines love for us.

On Wednesday this week, we had a very active Roots Night. It was wonderful to see so many in attendance. Our adult Advent Bible Study on Matthew 1 and 2 continued and will wrap up next Wednesday at 6:30 pm as we look at Matthew 2 and the story of the Magi. One of the conclusions we drew from the study this week is the miracle of Christmas is really a collection of miracles from a virgin’s birth, to Elizabeth’s pregnancy, to an angelic choir serenading shepherds, to angel’s appearing to Joseph and Mary, and a star which seemingly moves with the Magi leading them to the Christ child. I hope that you get caught up again in the wonder and miracle of the birth of our Savior.

One week from tomorrow is the Journey to the Nativity. Let’s hope and pray it is warmer than it was this morning. This is always a wonderful church event but even more so a great gift to our community. Be sure and invite others to this very special Christmas tradition at Mechanic Grove.

I am on pace to complete my read through the bible in a year plan as I am in 2 Thessalonians starting next week. For many years now, I have completed reading through the bible in a year and this year I am using the New Living Translation. Just this week with my focus on Advent and the Christmas season, I read Galatians 4:4-5 which says, “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” Here Paul affirms the significance of Jesus birth and yet another reason for celebrating Christmas—redemption. We will bring a message on that purpose on December 14. 

Don’t forget to bring a Christmas card from you and your family to the church and place it on the tree in the gathering area. Last night the Pine Trail event for the Ladies happened and I know it was well attended and always a joyful evening together. On Monday at noon, the OAKS Christmas Luncheon is at the church, and a meal is being provided ($10 charge) but should be another special Advent gathering. And keep in mind that the next Roots night on December 17, we plan to go Christmas caroling leaving the church at 6:30 as we bring Christmas cheer to some of our church members.

A big thank you to Janae and the Nurture Commission for the Every Generation Sunday School Activity last week. For those who made an advent candle holder, the good news is that the candles have arrived, and you should find them in your mailbox. Be sure and complete the devotions as well and listen to Janae’s podcast. We are hoping that this Advent and Christmas season will be meaningful and draw you closer to the hope, peace, joy and love of our Savior’s birth.

Ruth and I finally got our home decorated for Christmas last Sunday, but our daughter Tessa took our favorite outside lights for her home. So, we are adjusting with some new Christmas traditions about to begin and some longstanding ones about to end. One of those traditions that may be ending is celebrating Christmas day with our children in our home. This year Tessa and Everett want our Christmas gathering on Christmas day to be in their home. What is most important is that we can be together and so Ruth and I are adjusting from 25 years of Christmas tradition in our home as we plan to be in their home with Molly to celebrate our Savior’s birth in less than three weeks. 

Until then there is much to do and many events happening. So let me encourage you to continue to be engaged in what God has for you this Advent season at Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren. Let’s end this 2025 in a grand way with our focus clearly on the One born in the manger, the Savior who is Christ the Lord.

Have a blessed weekend and I look forward to continuing our Advent journey with you on Sunday. Light your advent candles, engage in the Advent devotions, be in prayer and most of all get ready to celebrate the greatest news of all: “For unto us is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). It is Friday, but praise God Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Kevin