A weekly look back and look forward from Pastor Wayne
Looking Back: In anticipation of Thanksgiving, we considered Ephesians 1:16-23 this past Sunday. We were reminded that Paul began at verse 16 by giving thanks for the Ephesian believers, telling them that he was remembering them in his prayers. Giving thanks for the believers appears to be a very common expression and activity on Paul’s behalf. Philippians begins with a somewhat similar statement, as does Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, and even 1 Timothy. I conclude therefore that a significant biblical dimension of thanksgiving is giving thanks for our brothers and sisters in Christ. My prayer is that Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians will remind us of the importance of giving thanks and praying for the church here at Colonial Park!
Looking Ahead:
As I think about “looking ahead” I want to wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Whether you celebrate at home, in a restaurant, with family, or just with a few friends, may your celebration be a reminder to thank God for all He does each and every day!
This coming Sunday our annual Advent services begin. We will light an Advent candle each Sunday, offer prayer, and remember that Christ has come and will come again. This year we will be journeying with a Moabite young woman named Ruth. Ruth is a wonderful example of faithfulness, of obedience, of dedication. And Ruth is an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Both the birth of Jesus, and the account of Ruth and Naomi take place in and around the “House of Bread,” the town of Bethlehem. Please join us as we remember that hope (the candle we light) begins with despair, requires desperation, and finds a Savior. “To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Looking Beyond: On Sunday, December 7 Doug Stennett will share a message on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. On Saturday December 6 we will decorate the church for Christmas beginning at 8 am.