Preparing for Jesus
Mark 1:1-8
1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”
3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”
4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
This Sunday’s service can be viewed on our Facebook page @ Sunday, December 10, 2023
This Sunday is the 2nd Sunday in Advent, and we focus in on the word prepare.
Much of life is about preparing or being prepared. I know I appreciate the difference between being prepared for something and not. Being prepared always feels better! And, has better results it seems.
This week as we celebrate Communion, I wanted to share some guidance on ways to be more prepared spiritually for the Sacrament of Communion.
We celebrate Communion
First, prepare your heart- and check your heart. This Sacrament (which is an outward sign, of an invisible grace) is for those who have entrusted their lives to Jesus, and know Him as Lord and Savior, being forgiven by Him for their sins. In the Evangelical Covenant Church, this is the one requirement to receive Communion.
Second, address any unresolved/known sin in your life, or unforgiveness towards another person. Make amends if you are able, and seek the forgiveness from Jesus for whatever you are aware of.
Third, spend time in prayer and reflection, meditating on the wonderful gift of Salvation, and the amazing Grace Jesus gives us, through His own blood.
Fourth, celebrate and come to worship joyfully, with Thanksgiving and praise for the gifts of God, for the people of God- the bread and the juice, which we receive together as a family, remembering what Jesus told us to do together, in His Name, until He comes again.
Fifth, read in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 and 1 Corinthians 15 about ways the Apostle Paul reminded the early church to prepare and examine themselves before Communion. As you read, be attentive to the Holy Spirit, and any conviction from God's Spirit. Receive the Grace God gives you through Jesus Christ as well.
Finally, parents and children have the wonderful opportunity to have conversations about Jesus, His love for them, and if they are able to understand this, and confess Him as Lord and Savior. Children are welcome at the Communion table. For those kiddos who are not quite ready, or haven't made this step in their faith journey, grapes are given to them as a sign of something to come- just as grapes are turned into wine and juice.
If you'd like to talk more on this topic, I'd be honored.
As you keep preparing your hearts for Christmas, I wish you God's peace, and look forward to seeing you Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Kari