Advent 2024

Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth is an occasion for both women to receive blessing through prophetic words inspired by the Holy Spirit. Like them we are blessed…to have Christ dwelling inside us and to receive from God the gift of faith that trusts His promises. Joy and love abound in this week’s readings as our celebration of Christmas draws very near!

“Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near!” John the Baptizer preached a message of repentance in preparation for the coming of Jesus. He called the rich and poor alike, the powerful as well as the lowly, to turn from their sins and put their trust in the LORD. Repentance is not complicated. It means simply to “turn”. Turn away from a life of selfishness and sin, and turn toward Jesus as the only One who can deliver us from sin.…

“Rejoice!” is the traditional theme for this third week in Advent. But there are many reasons why we may not feel much like rejoicing this time of year. Perhaps an overly full calendar, seasonal depression, or missing loved ones has Advent joy feeling like an out of reach dream for you. John the Baptist struggled to find joy in Jesus due to his imprisonment (Luke 7). Yet Jesus assured him that the Savior had come to save his people –…

First Sunday in the Church Year