PASTORAL PONDERINGS
There is an old commercial for Heinz Ketchup where the bottle is held upside down waiting for the ketchup to appear. In the background, a musical jingle is played with the word, “ANTICIPATION.” As we enter into the Advent season, this is the theme
for us as well. We are to renew our anticipation for the incarnation of the Christ.
It is not wrong for us to seemingly move to the anticipation of celebrating the holiday of Christmas. After all, it is a time filled with wonderful memories of the past and great expectations for this year. Granted, we may get weary of the endless commercials
and long lists of to-dos. Yet, for the church, the season of Advent must not be skipped.
What do you anticipate doing as a result of the gift of the baby in the manger? What is it about the hope of the Messiah’s return that shapes your daily life? We must anticipate a new order that is yet to come, and prepare the way we live to welcome it!
Happy Advent.
~Rev. Dr. Fred Leasure, Parish Associate