The Holy Season Theme is: "Advent Voices! "

       " Voices of Obedience! "

Thoughts From the Pastor's Study:
Today's Advent deals with those who had their lives interrupted when they were called upon to be obedient to their Heavenly Father.  In a day with so many voices, it is of great necessity that we pause to hear the Voice of the Lord in the midst of our busy schedules.  His voice is ever seeking our allegiance, our attention and our devotion.  It is my prayer that each one of you will read the Daily Devotion  as we walk through the Holy Month of celebration of our Lord's birth.  The purpose is to pause for a moment and reflect upon spiritual matters.  Joseph comes to mind quickly as we see his life is somewhat in order; he is espoused to a beautiful young lady awaiting a Jewish wedding ceremony.  Espoused means that all legal documents had been signed and contracts completed.  All that was needed to complete the union was the wedding ceremony.  While Joseph waited for that special moment, he discovers that his bride-to-be is with child.  No doubt she is telling him what happened to her when the Angel Gabriel visited her.  The brief details of this circumstance in Joseph's life are seen in Matthew Chapter one.  Joseph is a just man/godly man.  We find him in deep thought, not wanting to do anything publicly to hurt Mary.  He thinks upon putting her away privately.  Vs 20 " But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, far not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."  Vs 24-25 " Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS."  Joseph's obedience to his God was a great part of bringing to us our salvation.  There was also another person who would surrender to the obedience of her God.  Mary's reply to the information from the angel; the Holy Ghost would come upon her and she would be overshadowed by the power of the Highest; and that which would be born of her wold be called the Son of God!  Mary's response was; " Be it unto me according to Thy Word."  But the greatest obedience was: " JESUS, being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross."  In this Holy Season may we be mindful of our Obedience to Jesus Christ!
                                                      Loving you, Pastor