Dear Brothers and Sisters,
At my previous parish, we had a children’s choir director who had trained at the Royal School of Church Music. In addition to helping the kids learn about reading music, singing, and the church, he felt that a central thing was to teach them discipline and focus. He wanted them to understand that everything they do and how they do it matters. So when it was time for them to come to church from the music room, instead of running up the stairs, two at a time, screaming, laughing and shoving each other, they lined up according to the parts they were singing and processed two by two. As they marched, they chanted, “Prepare the Way of the Lord! Prepare the Way of the Lord! Get ready! Get ready! He’s coming soon!”
That chant, sung by a dozen littles of various ages and sizes, echoed through the building. I always wanted to get up and march along behind them. This year, as we enter into the season of Advent, that small song has been playing over and over again in my mind. So much so, that when it came time to decide what we would do for our Advent Bible Study, “Prepare the Way” was all I could think of.
The secular calendar tells us Advent is about getting ready for Christmas. True. A number of the readings tell us it is about getting ready for Christ’s return at the end of time—also true. But the way we prepare for Christ’s return is by how we live day after day. So Advent asks us: What will you do TODAY to make room for Jesus in your life? What will you do TODAY to bring his return each day, not just in the future?
NATURALLY, we look to our Scripture readings each week for guidance on how to live our lives. But during Advent, the Scriptures provide this additional focus. As you read each text, ask yourself: how can I, given my own circumstances, prepare the Way for Jesus to come in my own life?
Giving thanks for you **all** as we **all** continue to prepare the Way together!
Laura+
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Wednesdays @ 12 PM – Zoom Noonday Prayers
- Mon Nov 28: Sharing Tree Begins
- Sun Dec 11: Food pantry donations blessed; Gift card orders are due
- Sun Dec 18: Sharing Tree Ends
- Sat Dec 24, 5:00 PM: Christmas Eve Service
- Sun Dec 25, 9:00 AM: Christmas Day Service
- Sun Jan 1, 9:00 AM: New Year’s Day Service
View St. Margaret’s calendar at https://stmargaretsemmaus.org/calendar/