Advent is Here

By Pastor Mark McAdow
It’s beginning to feel a lot more like Christmas today. Brrr! I just finished my one-hour shift at Jumbo’s ringing bells for the Enid Salvation Army. (Since it was below freezing, they let me stand between the front doors – a warm blessing.) People were generally friendly, but I think you get more donations when people see you standing in the cold.

Remember, we have a Salvation Army red kettle in our Welcome Center this month to “feed” dollar bills and change to lend more support, too. All money gathered goes directly to our local Enid Salvation Army caring for the poor of Enid. They really appreciate our Willow View Family.

Last Sunday, we greeted one another with a “Happy New Year!” celebrating the first Sunday of Advent and the new church year, too. The Justin Funk and Todd Bradley families led us in the lighting of the Advent candle in our worship services. Advent is a time of preparing our hearts to celebrate the greatest gift of all – our Lord Jesus Christ. The four key themes of Advent are: hope, peace, joy and love. Who couldn’t use a lot more of those emotions and qualities at this time of year? As I shared last Sunday, “Christmas is for kids!" Our focus must be wholeheartedly on Jesus. After all, it is His birthday. Happy birthday, Jesus!

Plan to join us this Sunday morning as we worship our Lord Jesus together and celebrate Holy Communion. Come back Sunday night at 6 p.m. to hear our Willow View children perform “Back to the Manger” directed by our very own Lindsey Schroder. I hear there may be an appearance by a guy from up north, too! Christmas is for kids – of all ages!

Advent blessings to you and yours.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: Be sure to bring a Christmas ornament from your house to put on our Willow View family Christmas tree in the Welcome Center – something new at Willow View!