It’s not Christmas yet, no matter how many carols the department store blasts into your ear! But he’s coming! John the Baptist calls us all to repentance and to return to the Lord our God; to be ready to welcome the Messiah when he comes–this time in glory! It can be hard, in the frenzied countdown of Christmas shopping, to remember that Jesus came to bring an abundant life, not necessarily of things, but of joy and peace and of a truly right relationship with God. Come to church and meet God and let Him shower you with the gifts He has for you!
Merciful God, who sent thy messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
