The Answer
This week we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent.  Advent means the coming of the Lord. In this season, the church joyfully remembers that Christ has come in the flesh, continues to come in the Word and sacraments, and will come again in power and great glory. The color for the season is purple or royal blue.  We have a guest preacher – Russ Blake, who was the former Pastor of Tigard Covenant Church and is a good friend of mine.  He and I had the privilege to participate in a racial reconciliation experience about three weeks ago.  We traveled on a bus as partners for four days and had seminars and classes on this subject.  This week has been a tough week for race relations in America because of the verdict in Ferguson, Missouri. The church of Jesus Christ handles the subject of race in a different way than the world does because of the coming of Christ into the world.  Christ stands for justice and peace for all.  He is the Prince of peace and is the only one who has the answers for racial strife and bigotry.  Let’s look to Him during this season.  Let us all stand up for justice for all and demonstrate the love of Christ.
Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving,
Pastor David Greenidge