From the Pastor

is an interesting word. The definition is simply, “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” We call this season of the year ‘Advent’ because every year we are anticipating the celebration of our Lord’s first earth arrival. His humility astounds me, because for sure I would have made it known the exact day of the year that I came so that every person in the world would anticipate and celebrate that day.

But here we are in 2023, with most Bible scholars absolutely certain that Jesus was born at least by 6 BC. They come up with that date because we know for sure that Herod died in 4 BC, and why would he have all the Bethlehem children killed who were 2 years old and younger had he not heard about the birth of Jesus at least by 6 BC?

Anyway, we don’t know the actual day of Christ’s birth and we don’t even know the year for sure. Believe me, the world would not only know the precise day and year if it were up to me, but everyone would know the exact and precise minute when He was born! The entire world would pause and celebrate that exact moment if I had my way.

Ok, for sure, someone try to remember and record the precise moment of His 2nd Advent. We need to celebrate that moment every year for the next 1,000 years when we rule and reign with Him here on earth!

Today’s message is all about Hope. One cannot live without Hope. Kim Handy told us in 2:42 this week that Viktor Frankl reported from a German concentration camp that every year, the inmates would get their hopes up that on Christmas Day they would be released. And when it didn’t happen, within the next few days, hundreds of inmates would drop dead after losing all hope.

We are the people of Hope, anticipation, and of looking forward. Let’s constantly celebrate His 1st Advent while we anticipate His 2nd Arrival! Like Andrae Crouch used to sing, “Any day now, we’ll be going home…”

Merry 1st Advent,

Randy & Pam

Kid Zone with Pastor Mike Husli