Celebrating Advent

In John’s Gospel, he writes, “ The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” ( John 1:9). We celebrate Advent because the light has come into the world.

For the past two thousand years the light of Jesus Christ has been shining and those who walk in darkness have received the light.

I have been praying for the laborers across the world who are spreading the good news of the kingdom of God.

We do not hear about this in the secular media. But it is happening! All over our globe, people are receiving the Gospel.

In the post-modern West, we sometimes get discouraged because we do not see great numbers coming to Christ.

But in many places around our world there are multitudes receiving Christ. In some ways, our mission is more challenging.

This should not stop us from witnessing for Jesus. Though we have seen declining numbers of people attending church services,

the reality is that God is raising up committed disciples and I believe it will bear fruit. We may have come to a point in our culture where people are done with the craziness and will turn to God for a better way.

This better way is the way of Jesus. Only he can provide a pathway to life that is truly life! I believe Christian communities like ours here at ERCC need to be spiritual “eco-systems” that are life producing.

The worship, teaching, fellowship and prayer provide avenues for people hungry for God to connect. My prayer is that in the coming New Year, God will move us into a deeper life and that in so doing,

others will be drawn into the life of the kingdom of God. “Lord, may you make us into an “oasis” for your glory.”

Pastor Fred