Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This post comes as we enter first a new church year, then a new calendar year.  Isn’t it wonderful how the church year starts just about a month before our calendar year?

(To explain, the 22nd of November is the last Sunday of the church year 2009.  The 29th of November is the first Sunday of Advent, the season that begins each church year with the anticipation of Jesus’ coming.)

To me, it’s wonderful because it reminds me that Jesus always comes first.  Yes, in our priorities, too, but I have a different thought in mind about Jesus coming first, now.  Before I enter into a new calendar year, I’m reminded how Jesus entered this world as one of us.  So, no matter what comes in this next year, Jesus came first--He has gone before me.  He lived an entire life, here, and then died to save mine and yours, so we can live with confidence.  Not only has He personally been through life, suffering and death, but he also came first into the details of our lives.  Ephesians two verse ten explains that we’re His workmanship--created in Christ Jesus to do good works that he already planned for us ahead of time.  When you face trials, joys, and opportunities, in which you have the privilege of serving Him, you can remember that Jesus came first and got it all set up for you.  Praise God!  

May our Savior bless your celebration of His birth, life and death, and this next year, reminding you always that He came first…

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Gary