The Simple Truth of the Advent Season

Dear Pali Pres,

As you peruse this week’s newsletter, you will likely notice an overwhelming truth: the Advent Season is upon us! I know, I know… technically Advent does not start this year until December 1st. However, there are already so many events and opportunities planned to share with the church! I do hope you will take the time to notice all that is taking place at Pali Pres over the coming four weeks as we prepare ourselves for Christmas and the birth of the Christ Child.

On that note, I’d also like to encourage everyone to take a deep breath (go ahead and do so now…it’s ok to stop reading my blog for a second!) and ready our hearts and minds for all the busyness that will make up this season. As grand and special as Christmas is, and as glad as I am that we have such a variety of Advent offerings (focused on study, service, worship, and fellowship), I also recognize that there is such a thing as “too much” when it comes to our calendars this time of year. As Isaac Newton once said, “Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.” So, while I want us all to enjoy and take advantage of the multiplicity of activities and events taking place at Pali Pres this Advent, I do not want us to overlook the truth, which is simple and of primary importance: God became flesh through Jesus Christ.

May all that we do over these coming weeks (and for many of us, that will be a lot!) never cause us to lose sight of the simple truth of this season. Let us all ready our hearts and minds (and take another deep breath) as we prepare ourselves, once again, for the coming Christ Child.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Matt