UBC Family,

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This Sunday, December 3, marks the first Sunday of the Christian calendar, the first Sunday of Advent. Soon our sanctuary will be decorated with poinsettias, a nativity, and a Christmas tree covered in beautifully handmade Chrismons. Our Lord is coming again.

This is a season of anticipation for all that God will do in this world. It is also a season of remembering. That is part of this great mystery. Even as we wait for Jesus to come, we remember that Jesus has already come, as a wonderfully vulnerable child. He grew, learned, formed relationships, and showed us what it is to love one another fully. This advent season, we will anticipate together new life, new beginnings, new hopes. May we also take time to remember those who are hurting right now – say a prayer, send a note, bake some cookies and make a visit. Together we will await all that God is about to do as we watch for Christ to come again.

This Advent season, we will follow John the Baptist. He has come to prepare the way for Jesus, our Lord. It is my hope that the advent series will do just that. It is my hope that it will prime us to hear the good news of Jesus’ presence as we seek to be gospel people in this world.

From Christ’s fullness, may we all receive grace upon grace.
Kathryn Kimmel