Tomorrow marks the first Sunday of Advent, 2009. The Advent season in the church year covers the four Sundays before Christmas, as well as Christmas Eve. Throughout the season we prepare our hearts for the worship of Christ for the gift of His incarnation.

We begin this journey of faith tomorrow morning at 9:30 with what I am calling a partial journey through Handel’s Messiah. Our families are invited to gather in the SDA sanctuary at 9:30 AM (please be prompt; we will begin on time) for a worship event including the telling of the story of the writing of Handel’s masterpiece, music from selected portions of the score, media, prayer, and congregational sharing.

There will be two opportunities to share in groups. First, we will talk about ways we have seen Jesus this year be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. This will follow a time of singing along with For Unto Us a Child Is Born.

Then we will have an opportunity to hear from some about how they came to know Christ as their Savior. This will follow a media presentation of the piece Glory to God.

Don’t worry, we won’t leave the beloved Hallelujah Chorus  out of the mix. Some of your other favorites might be missing, but I trust that this different initiation to the Advent season might prove to prepare all our hearts in such a way that our worship of Christ this Christmas will be in spirit and in truth.

See you tomorrow at 9:30!