This Sunday, December 4th, is the second week of Advent—meaning we are already at the half-way point of this season! Isn’t that just bananas? Then again, maybe not. 

Our sanctuary is decorated for the season; multiple radio stations offer nothing but Christmas and holiday music; and scents of cinnamon, evergreen, and peppermint waft out of every store. Not to mention that Christmas-themed commercials started running approximately 0.0001 seconds after Halloween ended. Our eyes, ears, and noses are saturated with Christmas and holiday, so maybe we’re feeling pretty overwhelmed already?

 

Perhaps looming family obligations stress you out?

Maybe Christmas time brings out the ache of missing those you’ve loved and lost?

And what to do about all those presents you feel you have to buy?

 

Conversely, perhaps the sights, sounds, and smells of the season reinvigorate you!

Maybe figuring out good gifts for people you love brings out your best creativity!

And it could be all that baking simply feels like home. 

This may come as a surprise, but wherever you find yourself on the Holiday Joy-Stress Continuum, our scripture readings from the prophet Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew have something you will want to hear. 

What do we do when home feels impossibly far away?
How do we respond when we find a community that truly values us?

Where do we go from here and how do we get there?

 

Pastor Dave will explore those questions and more this Sunday, December 4th, in his sermon, “Just Hold On.”

 

Worship with us Sunday at 10:00am in person or online via our Woodridge UMC YouTube Channel. All are welcome!