Advent Week Three: Day 16, My Church Family

Here’s the thing: Advent just wouldn’t be Advent without the context of the community of faith. We’ve already talked about moving from the vantage point of spectator, to actually experiencing the coming of Christ (Christmas is a story that’s better experienced than watched). Well, that’s the invitation! That’s what the church is all about.

Church is the place where the incarnation grows arms, and legs, and hands, and feet, and finds its contemporary voice – it’s the place where we understand not just why, but how Jesus shifted the focus of God’s mission from one man – limited by the parameters of time and space – to “as many as receive him.”

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” – John 1:12-13

THE EVIDENCE: Take yesterday, for example. The experience of simply being with several hundred people, all gathered together to celebrate the fact that we are God’s children, is not only uplifting but concrete evidence of the beauty of God’s plan for redemption.

Here’s some of what I witnessed:

• Authentic, enthusiastic, worship;
• My adult education class, a group that has come together to explore what it means to be more intentional disciples in our day-to-day lives.
• New members received at both services, families of all ages standing up to say a public “Yes!” and “We’re in!” to all that God is doing through Wake Forest Presbyterian Church.
• The “buzz” of electric excitement, and prayer, and chatter, and joy that fills the campus before and after worship.
• Afternoon rehearsal for a Christmas Eve drama; faithful, creative followers of Jesus.
• Sharing dinner Sunday evening with 40 members of the new “Stumbling Disciples” ministry, all families with young children, thrilled to be on this journey together.

I’m seeing Jesus life spilling all over the place around here!

This is why Jesus came! This is what Advent is preparing our hearts for. The Christmas story is about living faith out loud – not some static wooden Nativity tableau destined to be stuffed in a box and consigned to back of the attic for the next eleven months.

Jesus came that we might have life! Real and authentic life. And I’m seeing Jesus life spilling all over the place around here. If you want to know what the point of Christmas is, then get involved in a vibrant, Christ-centered, mission-focused, Spirit-infused faith community such as Wake Forest Presbyterian.

It’s the third week of Advent. Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy abound.

So, live like you mean it – because God certainly meant it when you were created!

DEREK

Gallery of Advent life around WFPC