ADVENT IS ALMOST HERE

Today is our 25th wedding anniversary. On November 29, 1986, Carol and I were married on the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving in a happy and memorable ceremony and reception. Last Saturday afternoon we hosted a party for about 80 or more friends and family here at Palm Creek, and I can safely say, "a good time was had by all."

There are so many fine things that can bless a person in life, and a good marriage is right up there with the best of them. Loving family, faithful children, close friends and faith in Jesus Christ are all important blessings to one's earthly life.

This Wednesday (tomorrow) we swing into the season of Advent, the weeks before our annual celebration of Christmas. Advent comes from Latin words meaning "coming" and it centers on the First Advent of Jesus, God's Son, coming into the world some 2000 years ago. Christians also believe in the Second Coming, that Jesus will come again to judge all creation at the end of the world. So today we actually live between the two Advents.

These days Advent is mostly overlooked by a secular society which has become overcome with worries about its economy and politics. Some even think things are really bad in our world, that we are somehow on the brink of destruction. Indeed, 2012 is considered by a few to usher in the end of all things as we know it.

So what if it does? Are we ready for it? Readiness here does not mean having enough stuff or just being in the right place. It does, however, mean believing the right things, that Jesus is our Savior, that He died for our sins and rose again to forgive us and bridge the chasm sin has created between us and God. Being ready for the Second Coming of Jesus is a matter of the heart. "All who believe in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

It is not easy to keep faith in Christ. Satan and his evil minions try to tear the faith from our hearts. It is easier to ignore God than to ignore the clamor and glitter of secularism around us. We must be vigilant at this time of year. Observing Advent can help us with that vigilance.

Trinity Lutheran of Casa Grande, AZ, observes Advent with midweek services, and I will be leading those again this year Wednesdays at 4:00 & 7:00. I urge you to find a church that observes Advent and worship the Good Lord in those midweek services. If that's not possible, take time to read the Bible and pray to the One who first came to earth as the Christ child, the One who promises He will come again to receive all the faithful to Himself in heaven.

God bless you all this Advent!