Happy New Year!

No, my calendar is not a page off. Did you know that Advent not only marks the beginning of a new liturgical season, it also marks the beginning of a new church year? During this time, we prepare for the coming of Christ into our lives, into the world, in a new way. Advent is a season of "expectant waiting."

In this case, "waiting" does not necessarily mean doing nothing until something happens. On the contrary, "expectant waiting" is much more active. It means doing those things that help prepare our hearts for the hope, peace, joy, and love that God intends for us through Christ. Advent is a time to clear away the distractions as we anticipate, as we expect the Light of Christ to shine in us and through us. Once the Light comes, we can "see," and journey down the road with Jesus.

For me, this is a time of reflection as we transition to a new year. I think back to all that God has blessed us with over these past months. I am very thankful for the improvements we have made to our church building and the parsonage. But I am most thankful for the spiritual deepening that is taking place in our congregation and for Christ's message of hope and peace reaching out into our community. I give thanks for the love that pours forth from our church family, for our growing mission programs in the community and the world, and for our mission trips where we served and grew together. I am thankful for all the new people in our church and the ways they are already making an impact in our ministry. I am also thankful for our Adult Education classes, for the gift of music so prevalent in this church, and for the Spirit touching us in worship in very special ways. I am thankful for so many gifted leaders who give so much of themselves for Christ; for our children and youth who bring so much excitement and energy to our church; for all those who worship and serve here at MTMUMC, growing together as the One Body of Christ.

As we transition from a season of "Thanks" to this special season of "expectant waiting," I can only wonder what this new year will bring for all of us. I look forward in anticipation to see what Christ will do in us and through us this year. I pray that God helps us to ready our hearts and our lives to joyfully receive Jesus into our lives in a new way.

From our United Methodist Hymnal, #196, "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus"

Come thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the Earth thou art; Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit, rule in all our hearts alone; By thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.

Peace, Pastor Roy

P.S. Click the picture or link below to read the full December 2025 edition of The Beacon.