"Be Prepared!"

A voice cries out, "Prepare in the wilderness a road for the Lord!  Clear the way in the desert for our God!  Fill every valley; level every mountain.  The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth.  Then the Glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it.  The Lord Himself has promised this." (Isaiah 40:3-5 GNT)

The Scout motto - "Be Prepared!" - is something we all aspire to this time of year.  The four weeks preceding Christmas - known as Advent - provide time for us to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christ's birth.

In the verses quoted in Isaiah 40:3-5, we see that as God's people we need to get rid of the things that distract or prevent us from focusing on the gift of God's grace through the birth of Christ.  When we do this, the Lord may have our undivided attention.

There are numerous ways - in addition to shopping, wrapping, baking, and decorating - that help us be prepared.  Some of these include listening to holiday music, attending special seasonal programs, and reflecting on the real "reason for the season."

In the Church bulletin, you will find a list of special activities scheduled in First Baptist Church during the Advent season.  In addition a daily devotional booklet of readings by Robert V. Dodd will be available to be picked up at the church on November 27 for personal reading and reflection.

Also, The Tuesday Bible study will use the recently published book and DVD series, The Journey by Adam Hamilton, for a group study, beginning November 29.

Participating in these activities and programs may help us be better prepared for Christmas.  Please join us whenever you are able.

Pastor Martha Dominy