As we journey through the season of Advent, we are invited to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ. We celebrate His coming into the world long ago in a stable in Bethlehem- but we also recognize that Christ comes into our lives whenever we invite Him in and open ourselves to His presence This can happen in so many ways. In our best, wonder-filled moments we can recognize His presence as the bringer of love, joy and peace. In those moments when life brings us pain or sorrow, we can invite Him to come as comforter and sustainer. We can offer ourselves to Him as healer in those moments in which we find ourselves broken. And we can ask for His presence as the Good Shepherd when we find ourselves in need of guidance or protection. Christ never forces Himself into our hearts, but stand ready at any moment to respond to our invitation to be there. Perhaps that is what God was trying to tell us by sending the Word into the world not as an irresistible, conquering force but instead as a baby, ready to be held, nurtured, loved and grown into the One who would save. May Christ be born anew into your heart this Advent; may you allow that presence to grow into that which will offer you eternal life. In Christ’s Love, Pastor Larry