A Season of Waiting, A Season of Thanks

Greetings in Christ! On November 30th we begin the four week season of Advent. The word “Advent” means to “prepare.” Our children know this four week church season leading up to Christmas as a time of waiting. This is hard for most children. They tend to grow impatient and want things “now.” For some the waiting period can be excruciating. Christmas seems to take forever to arrive.

The four week season of Advent is necessary though, for us to grasp the full meaning of Christmas. The four weeks of Advent all have a unique theme of preparation. The theme for the first week is “Hope.” This is related to the Old Testament prophesies that promised a Messiah would come. Week two has a theme of “Peace.” Like John the Baptist, we continue to prepare the way for the “Prince of Peace” in our lives today. The third Sunday of Advent heralds a theme of “Joy.” In songs of joy we await the Lord’s coming. Finally, on the fourth Sunday of Advent we proclaim a theme of “Love.” We trust in the extravagant gift of God’s love poured out for us in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I bring you tidings of great joy, which will be for all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

Our Gospel readings for Advent and throughout the year ahead come from the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s Gospel is a narrative of Jesus’ journey from heaven to earth and back to heaven again. Luke’s Gospel gives us the rich stories of the parable of the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, the widow’s mite, the Road to Emmaus, and perhaps the most beloved story of Jesus birth – the manger scene. Perhaps most enlightening is Luke’s word to describe Jesus: Savior. Matthew and Mark omit this word entirely. John’s Gospel uses the word “Savior” only once.

Christmas brings out the child in all of us. I must confess, the closer it gets the more excited I become. Waiting is the hardest thing in life, and regardless of age, none of us are very good at it. But when Christmas Eve finally arrives it is always worth the wait. It is a sacred and holy night of candlelight worship, Christmas carols, and Luke’s Gospel account of the greatest story ever told. Let’s just say that “I can’t wait.”

This will be my last newsletter article to all of you, as I am retiring at the end of December. God has blessed us with 26 ½ years together and Colleen and I cherish so many fond memories of Lord of Life Church. We will miss you all. Keep growing in faith toward God and love toward each other. Please know that our memories of all of you and our time together will remain in our hearts forever.

In Christ,

Pastor Dale and Colleen Hedblad

Messages to Reflect n for November 2025

• 2nd Sunday of Advent (Matthew 3:1-12) At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. (12/7)

• 3rd Sunday of Advent (Matthew 11:2-11) A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. (12/14)

• 4th Sunday of Advent (Matthew 1:18-25) On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death. (12/21)

• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5pm (Luke 2:1-14 and 15-20) In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. (12/24)

• 1st Sunday following Christmas (Luke 2:1-20) As on the first day of creation, on this Christmas Day the Word illumines the world, shining forth to bring all things into being. (12/28)