A Note from Pastor Steve

 

As you read the following articles recapping many accomplishments and successes of this past year, you will find reason to celebrate and give thanks; for we are blessed and our    leadership has been faithful in carrying out their commitment to God and this congregation!

There is a rule when it comes to making financial investments that says: “past performance is no guarantee of future results.” So, while we bask in the glory of our successes, we prepare for the future with hope and anticipation.

That is what this season of Advent is all about: giving thanks for the past and the birth of     Jesus, while preparing for the future and his Second Coming. Retelling the stories of what has already happened is easier and more comfortable than anticipating the unknown; but we need to be prepared for we do not know when Christ will come again.

“But about that day or hour (when Jesus will return) no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” [Mark 13:32, NIV]

In the Nicene Creed, adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., the early Church     fathers stated:

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the  Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. (The United Methodist Hymnal, 880.)

As we enjoy the beauty of the lights and ornaments on the tree, and gather with family and friends; let us also look forward to the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to Come Again!

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

                                                

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                                                                                        Pastor Steve Rundel

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