Faith Family,
It’s hard to believe, but November has already slipped away and we now step into December—a month the global church has long marked as the beginning of Advent. Most of us know Advent as the season when we look ahead to celebrating Christ’s birth, but it’s also the start of a new Christian year. Advent invites us to slow down and remember that the story of redemption began with the Word made flesh. Christmas then carries us into Epiphany, when we recall the magi coming to worship the young Christ.
For many, this is a beloved season. My wife and kids certainly love Christmas, especially since our Christmas decorations made an early appearance back in October. It’s a time filled with joy, tradition, and family. Yet at its heart, Advent is a season of longing. We celebrate the first coming of Jesus even as we look forward to His return. The pace of December can make it easy to forget that. Chad Bird once described Advent as the church’s “flat tire”—a moment when we stop, take notice, and remember that God is bringing all things toward His promised renewal. That work began in Bethlehem and continues through His church today. Christ is the new beginning our hearts have always needed. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
I want to encourage you to stay connected with all that is happening this month as we walk through Advent together. We have several opportunities for worship, service, and fellowship with your church family.
One event I especially hope you’ll prioritize is our Christmas Night of Worship on December 14th at 5pm. Pastor Tyler and our Worship Ministry have been preparing for months, and this evening is designed to help us center our hearts through prayer, reflection, and gathered worship. We’ll share a potluck finger food meal afterward as we continue in fellowship. I’d love to see our church show up in full force for this night.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for January 4th when we gather for our annual Covenant Renewal Service. This is always a meaningful moment in the life of our church. Together we reaffirm our commitment to live out the Gospel, to love one another, and to carry the message of Jesus into our community. We will hear from our pastors, reflect on what faithful church membership means, and then move into the Sanctuary for a time of worship and the Lord’s Supper.
I’m grateful to walk through this season with you. May Christ draw our hearts toward hope as we anticipate His coming.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Tyler Armstrong