Socks...

Afterward, we circled up for our annual sock exchange.

Before selecting a pair of (new ?) socks, each person answered a random question. Nothing embarrassing, just enough to help us discover something new about one another. And yes, a few brave souls “rescued” socks they believed were being underappreciated by their current owners. All in good humor, while keeping spirits bright.

Moments like this remind me that the church isn’t a gallery of perfect people. We’re a family full of stories, strengths, vulnerabilities, and personality. Scripture calls us bruised reeds and smoldering wicks, not in shame, but in honesty. We are fragile at times. We don’t always get it right. And yet God delights in loving us.

That brings us to this Sunday, the fourth week of Advent, and our topic is Love.

We begin in Isaiah 42, where God promises a Messiah who will faithfully bring justice without crushing the bruised or extinguishing the faint. God does not discard the fragile, He binds them up and restores them.

And then we move to John 13. The setting is Passover, the last supper Jesus shares before the cross. This should have been a quiet, reverent moment, but the room is full of tension. One disciple will betray Him. Another will deny Him. Others are still quietly concerned about their status and future. Jesus is surrounded by ordinary, imperfect men.

And what does He do?

He gets up from the table, lays aside His outer garment, bends down, and washes feet. No lecture. No disappointment. No distance. Just love expressed in humility, love that serves the unready, love that stays near the confused, love that prepares broken people for a holy mission.

That is the love of Advent, steady, patient, and self-giving. Jesus loves the broken, which means He loves us. And because He has loved us, we can love others with the same grace.

I hope to see you this Sunday as we celebrate the joy Jesus brings. Services are at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Also, we would LOVE for you to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and  Instagram. 

Looking forward to worshiping with you,

Troy

P.S. Men's breakfast tomorrow at 9 am-Pastor Anthony is smoking the bacon!!