Hello Everyone!
Happy Advent!
What is Advent? By Noel Piper
We are a people of promise. For centuries, God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made—that he would give a way to draw near to him.
Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25, sometimes in the last weekend of November, sometimes on the first Sunday in December. This year it is December 3rd.
1 Peter 1:10-12 is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent.
“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”
For four weeks, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation, for Jesus. That’s what advent means—coming. Even God’s men who foretold the grace that was to come didn’t know “what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating." They were waiting, but they didn’t know what God’s salvation would look like.
In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God’s Christ:
“They were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.”
They were serving us. We Christians on this side of Jesus’ birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God’s plan. The ancient waiting is over. We have the greatest reason to celebrate.
And here’s another short one from Summit ministries: Intro to Advent
I hope that encourages you to celebrate advent with us this year. Please grab a copy of the One True Gift by Tim Chester next time you are at church (or stop by anytime you want to get one). It has short daily readings and prayers to help us reflect and rejoice.
Also, I just finished watching a great concert that may help get you in the Advent spirit.
watch the concert here
This Sunday, we will continue our series in 1 John called Abiding Love. If you would like to read the passage ahead of time, take a look at 1 John 3:11-24. We hope you can join us this Sunday for prayer, reading and teaching from the word, advent reading, communion, worship in song, and giving. See you Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at LACC!
Here are some announcements:
Banquet Thank You- We are so grateful to the special events team and all who are helping with Christmas banquet this year. The banquet is tonight (Friday) at 5:30p.m. at LACC. Make sure you say thank you to Holli and her crew!
Men’s Breakfast- We will meet tomorrow morning Saturday, Dec. 2 at 9 am for Men’s Breakfast. We have just started a new study in the Gospel of John (chapters 1-3) and would love to have you join us! Feel free to bring a friend. See you tomorrow men.
Liberty Concert- Liberty will be doing a second show at 4 pm on Saturday at LACC. If you aren’t able to come to the banquet or you just want to come hang out and hear them again, come on out tomorrow! There is no cost for this concert.
Advent Books- We have an advent devotional available if you would like to read along with us and prepare our hearts for advent and celebrating the One True Gift. Books are $8 each. Advent starts this Sunday, December 3.
Mom’s Group- Our Mom’s Group will be meeting Monday, Dec. 4 at 11:30. Childcare and lunch is provided. Our mom craft will be wooden gnomes. We’d love to have you join us (and bring a friend!) RSVP to Marlo at 816-9267. If you would like to help provide lunch to bless these moms, please let Marlo know.
Bob Madsen Memorial- Join us Saturday, December 9th at 11 a.m. to celebrate Bob’s life. There will be a light lunch after the service.
Baptism- We will be having baptisms on Christmas Eve. If you are interested in bring baptized, please sent a note to matt@lakechurch.life to get more information.
New Members Class- If you are interested in finding out more about LACC or what membership is all about, stay after church on January 7th. Please sign up by sending a note to matt@lakechurch.life.
See you soon,
Matt & The LACC Staff
