I get it…
It’s not even Thanksgiving yet…
The turkey has not even been put in the brine…
And yet, there’s this pressure, right?!
I mean the HobLob has had their Christmas decor out since July and it’s now 60% off… (They seem like the right people to blame! ;) #kidding)
Actually, this is one of the most comforting parts of the Christmas story for me. Throughout the Old Testament time period, God had used a variety of strategies to speak and lead His people.
He walked & talked with Adam & Eve in the cool of the evening.
He impressed upon Noah to build a boat.
He spoke audibly through a burning bush to Moses.
He empowered leaders.
He was a pillar of smoke & fire.
He assigned judges.
He appeared in human form. (theophany)
He allowed kings.
He raised up prophets.
But then there was …nothing.
At the start of our beloved Christmas story, it had been 400 years of silence from God. No prophets. No signs and wonders. No… nothing…
And yet, God was still there. God’s plan was still in place. God was still moving and working. God in all His Glory, granted us the perfect culmination of all His communication efforts in Jesus. Emmanuel, God with us. Matthew 1:23
While things might have felt behind, people may have felt left out, plans seemed fragile and complicated, God was in all of it.
So, friends, I just wanted to encourage us today to trust God’s timing. We are not behind. God will not allow us to miss Him this season. His presence is our promise and He is faithful. May God help us all rest in that these coming weeks.
A bit of good news this morning! I got my second printing of Advent Guides delivered early! I only have about 23 left in stock, though. This is the last of the stock for 2022; I will not be ordering more. At this point, I can get them sent out the day you order them but they won’t arrive until early-mid next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Shopping List:
Friend Group- How fun would this be to pop out at your annual Christmas Brunch?!
Teacher Gift- Steer clear of the apple branded mugs and lotions; give something meaningful— add a couple of drink mixes for extra fun!
Family Members- It’s hard to buy for the same people year-over-year without losing inspiration; this fits the bill for everyone!
Neighbor Baskets- Pair with the plate of cookies for a true investment in the community around you.
Church Staff- Often forgotten and taken for granted, it would be so special to provide a thoughtful gift for all their hard work.
Officially, Advent begins this Sunday, November 27! I am so excited to begin this season and walk with you through it!
Church Ladies is our new women’s conference option for 2023 & beyond; a deep dive into what it looks like to be a woman in the church according to God’s Word looking at three of the ladies of the early church in Acts.
January 28: Church Ladies Regional Retreat, Berean Bible Church, Grand Island, NE (limited space; registration link coming soon)
February 18: Church Ladies Regional Retreat, Berean Bible Church, Broken Bow, NE (registration link coming soon)
February 25: Church Ladies Regional Retreat, Chadron Berean Church, Chadron, NE (registration link coming soon)
March 25: Church Ladies Regional Retreat, Mitchell Berean Church, Mitchell, NE (registration link coming soon)
April 14-15: Legacy Retreat, Alma, NE
April 28-29: Legacy Retreat, Ashland, NE
May 6: Church Ladies, Imperial, NE
June 3: Church Ladies, Gandy, NE
August 19: Church Ladies, Colorado Springs, CO
September 16: Church Ladies, Marysville, KS
September 29-30: Legacy Retreat, Valentine, NE
October 20-21: Church Ladies, Plattsmouth, NE (at Mahoney State Park)
November 4: Church Ladies, Ogallala, NE
November 11: Church Ladies, Burwell, NE