Hi, everyone!

I pray that this season of Advent has been a time of great blessings to you and your families. I can certainly say that while this season of the year has not been without its challenges, God is showing himself to be ever faithful to his people!

A theme often highlighted in Advent that has been on my mind and heart over the past several days is that of comfort. I've been thinking about how much people around the world, in our communities, and in our neighborhoods are in great need of comfort these days. It's no exaggeration to say that the times in which we find ourselves have left so many wondering where the next meal is coming from, where the next paycheck is coming from, what Christmas is going to look like, and when loved ones are going to recover from being seriously ill. And due to the various restrictions put in place, those who are suffering in various ways are lacking the sources of comfort that would normally be there for me. That's where we can play a part.

One of my favorite passages of Advent comes from the opening verses of Isaiah chapter 40. It begins with the wonderful words, 'Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.' It continues to highlight how God will restore the fortunes of his people after their time in exile is fulfilled. Isaiah is even so bold to end the chapter declaring that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, soar on the wings of eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk and not faint. What a picture of God's comfort coming to his people in their darkest days! Truly God's faithfulness to his promises knows no limits.

This theme of God comforting his people is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the words of St. Paul to the Church at Corinth in 2 Corinthians 1. There he says, 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.' Did you catch that? We receive comfort from God so that we can then extend that very same comfort to those around us in their times of trouble! God's comfort in our lives truly is not only for ourselves, but it is for others, and we are God's agents in bringing his comfort to others! This is so much of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus, the body of Christ. I've heard it said, we are blessed in order to be a blessing. In that same vein, it can be said we are comforted in order to be comforters.

Perhaps you're reading this and asking yourself, 'how can I serve in any way that could be considered a comfort?' That's a fair question. Right now at All Saints' Church there are three immediate needs that provide you the opportunity to comfort others in their trouble as with the comfort you receive from God. Below are the three opportunities with links for you to serve.

1. Door hanging for the Live Nativity this Saturday from 10-1. There are many in our community that can be greatly blessed by this outreach, and we need help getting the word out. Would you consider giving a few hours this Saturday to help spread the word? Click HERE for more details.

2. UnTrimATree gifts. This year All Saints' Church is supporting 75 children from local schools. There are close to 30 gifts that need someone to claim them. I've got the sign up open and I'm grabbing the Legos for a 4 year old boy (that definitely brings back memories!). Where can you and your family find your names on the sign up? Click HERE to view.

3. Streetlight ministries. All Saints' Church has done such a great job working with Streetlight throughout the years. We are all so aware that the need for food is greater than ever for more than ever in recent times. The next opportunity to provide meals for Streetlight is Dec. 30. Would you consider taking some time during Christmastide to prepare food for those in need? Click HERE to sign up.

As we recall all of the ways that God has blessed us and comforted us over the past year, let us express our thanks not only with our lips but with our acts of love towards those who are in need of blessing and comfort this Christmas. May our heavenly Father continue to bless you and your families as you consider ways to be agents of his love in this world!

Jedd+