Dear First Pres,

 Advent. This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. So, the Sanctuary is decorated with greens and Christmas decor, the advent candles are ready to be lit, and December is moments away. The Vaccaro house isn't much different - the Christmas bins are out and the tree should be up by Sunday. What about you? Do you decorate for Christmas? Are your decorations all in place? Or is your house a hodgepodge of Fall, Christmas, and Normal?
   No matter what your house looks like, I encourage you to find a way over these next 27 days to lean in to this season of Advent. During Advent we remember the three arrivals of Jesus: the arrival of Jesus in Bethlehem at his birth, the arrival of Jesus in our lives every day, and the future arrival of Jesus when He returns to make all things right. How can you lean into Advent? Well, the Advent candles don't just have to be for the Sanctuary. What if you took some time in the days ahead to prayerfully light the Advent candles at your table? I encourage you to do that. Also, I encourage you to spend some time every day to be still before the Lord and give Him thanks for His arrival in our world and in your life. If you need some help, look for an Advent devotional online or in the book store. Or, as we dive into the book of Isaiah for the next four Sundays, take time to meditate on these prophecies about the arrival of the Messiah and His Kingdom.
   Here's the bottom line. Don't allow the craziness of this season to disconnect you from the reality of Jesus' threefold arrival. Instead, be intentional about experiencing Advent for all it's worth.
   What's one commitment you will make for the next 27 days to lean in to Advent?

Blessings,
Jeremy

P.S. One part of leaning into this season is making a commitment to be in corporate worship with your Church. I encourage you to prioritize being here on Sunday mornings. There is no substitute for worshiping together.