December 6, 2017. Instead of spending all our time buying presents, Pastor Penny urges us in this Advent mid-week service to set aside space to be present for one another, as Christ is coming to be present with us.
*** [Keywords: 2017 Adam and Eve heard the sound Advent mid-week service Christ Lutheran church Christmas Christmas Eve Emmanuel Genesis 3 God being with us God is with us God’s desire to be with us Gospel of Matthew I don’t want to buy presents I want to be present Jesus’ birth story Lo I am with you to the end of the age Old Testament Pastor Penny Holste adultery amazing beginning to Jesus’ life angels another man another religion ascended to Heaven be bothered be present for one another became with us believe God is present with us betrothal and marriage beyond ethnic divisions boy’s family brought shame business man always on the go buy those presents children in teens coats considered husband and wife consummate marriage countercultural courage customs demonstrate for children don’t live together each smile escorts her back to his family family of our own family tree feel God’s presence finely wrapped gifts fit the pattern foreshadows ministry of Jesus fourteen full of challenge girl’s family give money gives us comfort going online got together great hunter grew week by week heart of our faith hints how amazing it is in our lives inclusive family insider info kid who couldn’t wait killed love of God is experienced make space men and women message for adults most beautiful passage next to no thought not born of a human pajamas patriarchal physical way piles under our tree pillar of smoke by day and fire by night popular script practical promise prophets publicly shame her pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable quietly sign bill of divorce rainbow raised again realizing something important redefines family runs to mall separated sermon shameful shook each present shopping shrinking moments together sign certificate squeal of joy stalk the aisles stereotype stoned by her family suffered sweaters they are married thirteen time is not slowing down time of the evening breeze too busy toys truly with us in a human way twelve unique promise venture guesses video clip visions walking in the Garden wasn’t until Jesus what a gift it is to be present for each other what each child wanted what it means to be present for one another wife young man]