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Education Ministry

Posted on November 30, 2006 ...

We are celebrating?¢‚Ǩ¬¶the start of a new Sunday School class this week: Kevin and Robin Trowbridge are leading a class designed for young adults, either single or married-without-children. This class addresses the unique set of life situations that this group encounters through tailored Bible study and fellowship activities. If you fit the demographics of this class and have not felt at home in classes designed for adults with children, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. The class meets in the lower level of the sanctuary in room 206.

We are celebrating?¢‚Ǩ¬¶Advent: December has arrived and with it many opportunities, some of which are positive and, unfortunately, some that are not. This season of the year brings opportunities for both showing kindness and for overindulgence, for deep spiritual significance and for overextending ourselves financially. The secular and the Christian communities agree that this is a time of celebration but the reasons for, and methods of, celebration should differ greatly. Unless Christians intentionally prioritize their activities, they can be swept up in the tide of a secular holiday and miss the meaning and significance of celebrating God?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s intervention in history for the redemption of mankind. It can be a personal challenge for Christians to look past the electronic gadgets, trendy toys, parties, extravagant expectations of spouses and children, and even get a glimpse of the most significant event in human history.

Advent has long been celebrated by the church as a time of preparation and expectation, a season designated to help us re-orient our priorities and to prepare our hearts for a God-honoring celebration of His work on our behalf. The elements of Advent are not a substitute for a truly thankful heart but are, instead, a method of maintaining intentional focus in a time when we are surrounded by influences that tempt us to exalt a fictional elf and luxurious gifts while neglecting the rightful observance of our Savior?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s birth. Although there are many ways to celebrate this season, here are a few that you may consider.

* Purchase or create an Advent calendar: Each day during this season?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s personal or family devotion time, open one of those windows or doors to display another biblical picture.
* Incorporate an Advent wreath into the family devotion time: Use the symbolism of the candles to remind yourself and your family of all of God?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s provisions.
* Hanging of the Green: Although many associate the greenery with church, it can be effective in providing a positive celebratory environment at home as well by representing the new life found in Christ.
* Jesse Tree: Isaiah 11:1 is the basis for an advent tradition that can create many teachable moments for children. A drawing of a stump with one branch growing from it is placed in the home. Each day a symbol is attached to that branch to represent one of the Old Testament characters from the time of Jesse to the time of Christ.

I pray that your Christmas season is void of the stress associated with a secular holiday and, instead, filled with the peace and joy of knowing just how much your Creator cares for you. Verlin