December Jottings...

The Christmas season is always an extra busy time. Besides our normal routines and activities we often mix in parties to attend, shopping to accomplish and the special events, including church services. Cole Memorial isn’t adding anything extra to that burden - we have our normal Sunday worship services and one Christmas eve service. Hopefully the meaning of this season for us as believers is not defined by our activity but by our reflection and by our witness and generosity.

It is with that in mind that our theme for advent is “Behold the Lamb.” Come reflect on the Jesus in the manger being worshipped by shepherds, and probably some lambs present. Come reflect on Jesus who is Himself the lamb. His whole reason for coming is not to give us a warm fuzzy feeling in December but to grow into the Messiah who offers himself as the perfect sacrifice, the lamb who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

We also want to give generously as a church beyond ourselves and what better way than to buy lambs for needy families in other countries. We are partnering with the Heifer Project with the goal being of giving at least one lamb per Cole household. The lambs are given to struggling families in needy areas who raise them and see them eventually multiply into flocks. This is a micro way of making a difference. You will hear more of this when you join us for worship during advent but be preparing now to give beyond what you give to sustain the church. What better way to “Behold the Lamb” than to give sacrificially in Jesus’ name.

- Pastor Brian