Like Sheep

We have reached the end of the church year with Christ the King Sunday this past week. We now prepare for the story of the birth of Christ and the time before His birth, Advent. It is four weeks of personal examination and preparation, not all gifts, malls and tinsel. In case you feel you are lost in the season, consider this meditation by Max Lucado: God Knows Us by Name

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. (Psalm 23:1)

Sheep aren’t smart. They tend to wander into running creeks for water, then their wool grows heavy and they drown. The need a shepherd to lead them to “calm water”. They have no natural defense-no claws, no horns, no fangs. They are helpless. Sheep need a shepherd with a “rod and walking stick” to protect them. They have no sense of direction. They need someone to lead them on “paths that are right”. So do we. We too tend to be swept away by waters we should have avoided. We have no defense against the evil lion who prowls about seeking whom he might devour. We, too, get lost.

We need a shepherd. We need a shepherd to care for us and to guide us. And we have one. One who knows us by name. We prepare this Advent season to welcome Him into our midst. My advice for this holiday season is to remember what it is all about - not expensive gifts, buying up Black Friday, decorating to beat out your neighbor. It is about welcoming Christ into our midst and remembering who we belong to.

Join us for our second annual Nativity Walk on Dec 6 during the downtown tree lighting in Fairborn. Cider, hot chocolate and a gift bag will be available for families and children.

Candlelight service for all on Dec 24th at 7:30. Come early and share some hot chocolate before service. Pre music starts at 7:15 and service with communion, carols and candlelight will being at 7:30. This year Emanuel Ministries and St Mark’s will be doing the service and music together. Come worship with us!

Be a Blessing! Deacon Nancy Trimble