ADVENTure Reflection

This was our family’s third year participating in ADVENTure, which truly gets us ready for Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  When I was little, my mom had a plaque she’d put out with the familiar phrase, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season!”  It’s a familiar phrase to me, but it seems our culture doesn’t always remember this important truth.  

At Resurrection’s ADVENTure, the night starts out with a delicious dinner.  This year we were fortunate to have Jodi Diekmann make salad, spaghetti, bread and desserts for all!  After dinner, our family was able to make projects together, that are all focused on the Reason for the Season.  This year we made an Advent wreath, a question cube, a sun-catcher of the nativity scene, a candy countdown with Bible verses to read each day, and a wall hanging where we add a favorite memory of Christmas or what we are grateful for each day until Christmas. 

These projects are displayed in our house to remind us and our guests that Jesus truly is the Reason for the Season!  This year there was a fun photo booth as well! 

The night ended in the worship area, where we sang Christmas carols together, as well as heard some Bible verses from the Christmas story.  Many of our Christmas decorations are from past ADVENTures, as each year there are different projects.  If your family has not participated in ADVENTure, I highly recommend doing so!  I’m grateful for the planning committee and for all of their contributions to make ADVENTure such a success!  

ADVENTure reminds me of one of my favorite verses, Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Just think about these different names for the Messiah. When you’re confused, He’s your Wonderful Counselor. When you’re weak and fragile, He’s your Mighty God. When everything around you is changing and you need love, He’s your Everlasting Father. And when you’re anxious, He’s your Prince of Peace. Jesus meets our every need, and He’s truly the Reason for the Season. May we all shine His light brightly, so everyone knows this!  

By: Suzie Heideman

Christmas is Coming

The snow this week makes thoughts of Advent and Christmas seem timely, although there was likely no snow in Bethlehem. To help prepare hearts, minds and busy lives for the good news of our Savior’s birth, plans are underway for two events. The timeless and universal Christmas story is brought to life in new ways each year, especially when told by children and seen through their eyes. Resurrection’s family ADVENTure is an evening for families the first Sunday in Advent.

A meal is provided to allow all who participate to simply show up and enjoy a time of fellowship with others. How appropriate to prepare our hearts for the gift of the Messiah by gathering with the body of Christ! After time at the table, craft supplies and instructions are provided for families to spend time together, creating countdowns, Advent candle centerpieces, ornaments, and other items to take home. Each offers a reminder of Christ’s coming and can spark family conversations and traditions. The candles of the Advent centerpiece serve as signs of Christ’s light, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” A devotional time sends families on their way, warmed by the light of worship, community, and shared memories. This is a wonderful way to anticipate the coming of Jesus into our world and into our hearts anew.

Throughout Advent, children and adults will be rehearsing songs and lines for Faith Outfitters’ Christmas program, presented during both worship hours on Sunday, December 21. A Country Christmas imagines the Holy Family looking for room in the barn right here at Resurrection. 

Sunday School students can share their preferred roles with Director Michelle Storm this week. We read in Isaiah that a little child shall lead them. Jesus came to us as an infant. Later in his ministry, he said, “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” It is clear that children are very important to God and Jesus loved children dearly. The way children love Jesus, and dramatize his birth, can touch all of our hearts and open our eyes to the real gift of Christmas. As we approach Advent, please consider these opportunities. Let the children lead us to find “Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger.”

 Written by: Sarah Storvick