Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, and fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 1:13
I remember the anticipation of Advent as a child. It was not the "eat fish on Friday" season, but rather this was the season of preparation for every child's favorite holiday: Christmas.
My brothers and I knew that if the Advent wreath was coming out, so were the Christmas decorations. It was time to think about what we wanted Santa to bring us. My parents did a great job making sure Advent was a genuine time of preparation for us. Every meal involved all of us sitting around the kitchen table with the Advent wreath in the middle. My brothers and I all knew what that meant, too—it was a time of preparation involving Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. It was a time to focus on the true meaning of the season and the arrival of our true gift for Christmas. We would not find this, the true gift, in the toy catalog or wrapped under the tree. It was a time for us to focus on our Hope for the future, the Peace in our hearts, the Joy for the coming of our true gift, and to celebrate the Love God has for us!
South Main reinforces all of that. It provides Hope for the future in a world filled with Christ's love. It is a sanctuary in the hustle and bustle of the city that allows us to truly focus and find that Peace in our hearts. It affords us the Joy of fellowship with all of Christ's children, and it is a place that will open your heart to the Love the Lord has for all of us.
Father we are so thankful for the opportunity to celebrate this wonderful season! Help us open our hearts and prepare to receive the ultimate gift from you, the gift of your Son into the world. We ask this in your Son's name, Jesus Christ. Amen!
Tom Ehlers has been attending South Main for over ten years. He is married to Margie and they have two children, Naomi and Robby.
