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I’ll be honest. It never looks like I picture it. In my mind I see a row of upturned, eager, clean faces above matching PJs, sitting in a row on the couch by the fire, hanging on every word my husband reads out of the Bible.  This is followed by rich theological discussion from the Advent devotional, and we end in sweet prayer time.

The reality is my tousled, sweaty kiddos are stuffing dinner down as fast as they can because it’s already bed-time and we just got back from some activity. We’re scattered about the living room, rushed and distracted, as I push to fit in a quick devotion to remind us of the season. And if I’m really honest, I’ll admit my left-brained side pushes to do at least 3 days of devotions at once because we’re always behind.

I’m praying for the best way to prepare our hearts. Will you join me as we prepare to welcome Him?

Is it worth it? Am I trying too hard? Is this what God really wants from us?

“Consecrate (prepare) yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God,” Leviticus 20:7.

Moses, Joshua, and Nehemiah all called on the believers to do this before worship. Prepare, get your hearts and minds ready for an encounter with God.

I want to do this as I look toward Christmas. But how? I love watching The Nativity Story movie, to put myself in Mary’s shoes as the incredible truth of Jesus’ coming to earth really happens. My mom, bless her heart, hand-made cardboard and felt disks to represent every major story in the Old and New Testament for an Advent Jesse Tree. (Yes, there are hundreds of disks!) I grew up doing these, and looked forward to doing them with my kids. I’ve been better at this some years than others. Once we started the Jesse Tree in June, so we’d have enough time to enjoy the trip through the Bible. We’ve chosen more age appropriate devotions some years, and others have stuck with our traditional stand by study.

But what is just me doing the “Be Prepared” Boy-Scout-duty, and what is God calling us to? Yes, prepare our hearts. Yes, he promises to be in our presence when we gather. He calls us to purposeful devotion, whether we feel in the mood or not…but how do I do this without making it a duty? Can I plan but be flexible? Can I let Him lead the discussion or moment? Can I choose to make it really about wanting Him and not about “getting ‘er done”?

What I really want is for it to be about HIM,  led by HIM.

So, as I write this I am convicted and challenged, and I hope you are too. I need to prayerfully reconsider my preparation; I need to ask HIM some questions. Would this year be best to do by myself, with my family, or both? Will it be in the morning, noon, or evening? Will it be daily, a few times a week, or once a week? What topics will challenge yet not overwhelm us?  I’m praying for the best way to prepare our hearts. Will you join me as we prepare to welcome Him?

Sunday mornings are beautiful, mostly. Sometimes they are chaotic; getting six people out the door simultaneously, in a timely manner, with shoes and coats on is not for the faint of heart!  Sometimes they go smoothly and sometimes we ask if it’s worth it! But when I walk in the door to the Church I KNOW that it is. Every time.

Sometimes I cry during communion. Perhaps it’s relief that we made it almost on time, or I feel bad I fussed at someone for their hair not being done or forgetting their coat. Often it's because I am reminded that life is not as I hoped it would be and it is not always as it should be; but here I am reminded that in Him, I am enough. But on most Sundays it’s because I just feel such a joyful relief that we’re here, with our people, worshipping this crazy God that refuses to give up on a sinner like me, like my kids and like my husband. Church is a safe place for me. It’s a place where people know me, people see me for me and where they accept me in-spite of my mess; it’s a place to be honest, transparent and vulnerable, to be welcomed and loved. More than that, it’s a place to intentionally meet with my Savior face to face during communion.

I need that Sunday morning reminder. Do you?

Sunday morning at church is the one time and place where I intentionally let myself slow down and let my guard down. When I walk in the doors, I take off the invisible armor I carry about the world; consciously or not, so that I can prepare to worship, to reconcile with my Savior, and fellowship with His people. I love Sunday mornings and try to live a Sunday morning lifestyle as many days of the week as I can. In a world of hurry, selfishness and want, it can be a struggle for anyone. And I am no different that any run-of-the-mill sinner.    

In a culture where we wait for nothing, waiting for a Savior seems almost counter-cultural in and of itself. In a world that too often seems hopeless, waiting on a Savior brings deep comfort; that too many don’t have.

This is the reason I am so passionate about the season of Advent. For me, Advent is literally a SEASON of slowing down, a SEASON of Sunday mornings, a SEASON of intentionally letting God in, a SEASON of hope, preparation, joy and love, a SEASON of waiting for our Savior to come. How could I miss this! In a culture where we wait for nothing, waiting for a Savior seems almost counter-cultural in and of itself. In a world that too often seems hopeless, waiting on a Savior brings deep comfort; that too many don’t have.

Maybe the name “Advent” seems liturgical or antiquated for you. For me, for my family, it is a season where we intentionally watch, wait, listen and celebrate the coming of our Savior. We celebrate the small moments spent reading scripture, praying for friends and family, lighting candles and singing Christmas songs, we read Advent-related books and fun kids-Christmas books. For us, is very much about spending time intentionally with Jesus and with one another.

We work hard to slow down and seek Him. We intentionally choose not to attend every Christmas or “Holiday” event so that we have time for these traditions. It’s a reminder that I need, not just during this season but throughout the year. It’s a reminder I am grateful for and that I celebrate.

Each may do “Advent” in their own way, but please friends, don’t miss this invitation to seek Him. Find one way to seek Him, prepare for and love Him anew. . . it is a tradition you won’t regret adding to this season.

HOPE is one of those familiar words that seems to get lost in our everyday speech. It gets mixed in as we flow from one thought to another. Or it gets used casually as we express well-wishes or concern:

I HOPE you feel better soon…

I HOPE I’m not disturbing you…

(or as parents frequently hear themselves saying)

I HOPE you weren’t about to do that thing I just told you not to do…

Pastor and author Paul Tripp describes in his advent devotional Come Let Us Adore Him that there is a “danger of familiarity” in the lives of the children of God. He describes how it “does bad things to us” such as robbing us of wonder and causing us not to celebrate something that used to captivate us. It’s a sort of “Law of Diminishing Returns” found naturally within us.

But HOPE has more power within it than we may realize. It is a feeling of confident expectation, peaceful assurance, and desire for something to occur. In Scripture, it is the foundation for faith to be built upon (Heb. 11:1) that comes from a God of HOPE who fills us with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:3). The absence of HOPE leaves us with a sick heart (Prov. 13:12), while the presence of HOPE renews our strength (Isa. 40:31).

We find this demonstrated powerfully in the story of Simeon as he proclaimed his “release” when he finally laid eyes upon the Messiah he had been HOPING and waiting for (Luk. 2:25-32). This righteous and devout man was filled with HOPE and led by God’s Spirit (reference Rom. 15:3 above) to the temple. But there’s something missing here… by definition.

One of the greatest and most important aspects of HOPE is the unseen. Romans 8:24-25 teaches us that “HOPE seen is no HOPE at all, for who HOPES in what they have?”. Simeon was filled with the Spirit and looking (HOPING) for the Messiah, and rejoiced when he finally embraced Him. Instead of focusing effort on trying to understand the details of how it would come about, he lived righteously, trusting faithfully that God’s Spirit would put him in the right place at the right time. Simeon didn’t become so “familiar” with the promise that he allowed its power to diminish in his life.

When it comes to the Christmas season however we find that our spirits are more drawn to the reminder that Jesus- the One in the manger, the One on the cross, the One at the right hand of the Father, is the one true HOPE.

In the Aigner house, we admittedly focus a LOT on details. There’s good and bad in that fact, but either way it’s there. Lately we have been HOPING for a number of things- rest, guidance, peace, even redirection from bad habits we have let creep into our routine. When we pause to evaluate all that we’ve hoped for throughout the year, we often find that we’ve HOPED in more of a haphazard fashion by expressing something and HOPING it actually happens. This is more of a “wishing well” approach to HOPE than a biblical one.

When it comes to the Christmas season however we find that our spirits are more drawn to the reminder that Jesus- the One in the manger, the One on the cross, the One at the right hand of the Father, is the one true HOPE.

Jesus’ return is our “blessed HOPE” (Tit. 2:13).

We are reminded of the grace poured over us moment by moment while on this side of heaven. And we are reminded of the undeserved inheritance and unimaginable glory as we approach heaven one day at a time.

Simeon HOPED – LIVED FOR it. And we can too.

This Christmas season, may God draw your heart near to His, fill you with His Spirit of HOPE, and the reminder that you are chosen, loved, and saved forever in His mighty hand.                                                           

 – The Aigners

Every Sunday, Mark would ask how you were you were doing, quickly followed by “What is the Lord doing in your life?”  I went to church with Mark for 18 years and I can’t remember having a conversation about the Cowboys or the Spurs. Mark had 7 children, all of them athletic, so the opportunity to talk sports should have been there. However, spiritual conversations were plentiful.

I asked Mark about his motivation to ask this question.  I pointed out that his question was different than other fellas and sometimes it was a hard conversation to have.  I had even seen people walk in the opposite direction, so they wouldn’t have that conversation with him.  Mark responded with two reasons. First, Sunday morning was the only time he would see most of his church family and he didn’t want to miss the opportunity.  Second, he might be the only person having that conversation with them.

Which brings us to Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Often this is a time (maybe the only time) that we get together with family and friends. We reconnect over the kids and their schedules, work, vacations, news, and everything other than our spiritual lives. Maybe they have responded poorly in the past, or they don’t share your views, or maybe … whatever.  It is hard.  It is hard for all of us.

"Let this season be your opening to witness to family and friends. Be thankful for the opportunity to share your Savior."

Using Mark’s logic, this season is a great opportunity and we may be the only ones to broach the subject.  How do we do this; what can make it doable?

1. Pray for guidance: About who to speak with and when to do it.
2. Consider what you might say: It might work for you to ask Mark’s question.  Or you could share how the Lord is working in your life or share your testimony. Or share a question you have about theology or something happening in the public sector.
3. Start the conversation with another person: Make sure your original target in close proximity. Start with a side conversation, eventually involving the person you want.
4. Don’t be afraid to not know the answer: If something comes up, say “I don’t know, but I will do some research and get back to you”. This gives you an automatic reason to follow up.
5. Pray and follow up: Could be a simple as a message “I enjoyed talking with you about ______” or if you see them at Christmas, having another conversation. 

Today, I read a letter from President Reagan while he was in office.  He took time out of his busy day running the country to share the gospel with his Father-in-law. It was that important for him and that important for us.

I saw Mark about a year ago.  He gave me a hug, and asked, “What is the Lord doing in your life?” Some things never change, and some things do.  Let this season be your opening to witness to your family and friends. Be thankful for the opportunity to share your Savior. 

There are a host of behind the scenes ministries that happen weekly within any church across America. These aren’t the ministries you hear much talk about, they aren’t the ones everyone is lining up to serve with, but they keep the church running, they welcome the lost and encourage the lonely.  Today’s ministry highlight is one of those behind the scenes ministries you may have never given any thought to but God has used mightily: The Attendance Ministry.

How did you get called into you’re the Attendance Ministry?

I’ve always been active in the church and I think I slide into this one by helping Adele.

How have you seen God work in you through your ministry?

I’ve seen people join the church because they felt so welcomed. It really makes me feel like God is truly using me.

What has been the hardest aspect of serving and how did God us that to grow you?

I do not feel like there is a hard part to this ministry. I feel like God opens my heart more as I met new people. They become part of “my” family.

What are you most thankful for in the ministry?

The blessing of so many hugs each week. I grew up in a family that didn’t hug, maybe that’s why God put me here.

“I feel like I am giving blessings and also receiving them. I rejuvenate every Sunday!”

What would you say to someone who doesn’t feel equipped to serve?

Step out. Let God lead you. Smile and be blessed.

Can you share a ministry success from 2018?

I don’t know that there is a “success.” I just know that some people wait for my hugs. We enjoy being family. Also, people like to know that someone missed them if they didn’t come for a week or two. And I worry if there aren’t at church for a while.