This Week at Mt. Olive

Good afternoon, fellow redeemed!

Many of you have expressed your heartfelt sympathies on the death of my aunt. It's my opportunity to say thanks. Please know that I'll be forwarding that message to my parents in Austin. It's one more indication of the generosity of God's people at Mt. Olive!

Tomorrow begins Advent, the four Sundays selected to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus. As seasons go in the ancient Church calendar, Advent is the latest seasonal development. At the beginning of the season's development, Advent lasted forty days, mirroring the season of Lent, the forty day penitential fast leading up to Holy Week and Easter. Beginning on November 11, the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, the season was sometimes called St. Martin's Lent. After some time, the season was shortened to four seasons. The first Sunday of Advent is always the Sunday closest to St. Andrew's Day, November 30. In it, we hear of four distinct themes: the King's approach and arrival to take His throne (Advent 1), John the Baptist and his proclamation (Advent 2), the prophetic preparations (Advent 3), the blessed virgin Mary (Advent 4).

Advent is also a season that gives us the opportunity to focus on the prophecies of the prophets, God's ancient preachers to His people Israel. Tomorrow, the sermon text will be Jeremiah 33:14-16.

The Christmas program this year follows a pattern of prophecy and fulfillment, focusing on the meaning of the Lamb. Christmas program rehearsal begins Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. and will last 90 minutes. Any parents who are available will be gladly appreciated!

Advent, being a preparatory season like Lent, also observes midweek services. Each Wednesday (December 2, 9, and 16), there will be services: Prayer at Midday (12:15 p.m.), and Advent Vespers (7:15 p.m.). The readings and meditations of these services will center our attention on the stories of prominent characters in the Christmas accounts.

Finally, Adult Bible Class continues its study of the relationship between Church and State. Tomorrow, we take up the important topic of what to do when the voice of the State and the voice of God are at odds. I also want to address a current events subject I brought up last week and reached what I have come to believe was a mistaken conclusion.

God bless!
PKJ