Have you noticed how Halloween is being overtaken by Christmas — displays and decorations and whatnot showing up before the end of October?  With all the commercialism of the season of Christmas, and seeing everywhere you look the images of red-nosed reindeer, dancing snowmen, Grinches, and Santas, it is easy for the real reason for the season to become lost. That may be why more Christian churches and families are bringing back a celebration of Advent.
Come to Sunday morning services and on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. in December — you are invited to join with the congregational family at Trinity Lutheran Church to observe the Advent traditions  —  A focus on Christ’s “coming,” — Christ’s coming manifests itself among us in three ways—past, present, and future.  Advent comes from the Latin word meaning “to come.” It is a time to prepare for God’s greatest gift, the birth of Jesus Christ. On  Dec. 24 there are two candlelight services, one at 7 p.m. and another at 11 p.m. A celebration in music is on Sunday December 21st  with a Cantata at both the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.
Why celebrate Advent? A good question.  Advent helps us understand just how the news of the birth of Jesus we celebrate during the Christmas season can bring us peace and help us find our place in the world.  See Advent as a way to celebrate the glory of anticipation, learn from the prophets, appreciate the gifts God gives us, share in traditions and remember that Jesus is the true meaning of the season.  
As we observe Advent, let us celebrate God’s gift of Jesus Christ and give thanks!  A renewal of our faith and the “gift” of this season that can last a lifetime.

This column was submitted by Rhonda Knudson for Trinity Lutheran Church.