A Special Message from the Pastor

Advent Meditation

We are celebrating Advent this year in a most challenging time. 

The sounds of loud weeping inundate the news of the day.  According to Human Rights Watch, an estimated 5,500 children have been killed in the Gaza Strip since October 7, amid widespread airstrikes by the Israeli military. Hundreds more are reported missing and may be trapped under the rubble. Since October 7, one child in Gaza has been killed every 10 minutes on average.

Let our hearts be wide enough to remember them in their grief, and as we do so, to pray not only for the peace of Jerusalem, but also Gaza and the entire world. 

In days quite similar to our own, our Lord was born.  Mary and Joseph understood the raging of the powerful leaders of their day, and were warned to flee to the south. Quite an eerie parallel.  Jesus lived his first days as the child of refugee parents, even as so many desperate souls clamor at our borders seeking refuge. 

As we make room in our hearts for Jesus' birth, let us also take time to remember and pray for those who need the message of hope the most, both far and near. 

—Pastor Strother Gross