Preparing Our Hearts

Dear Family and Friends of First UMC of Torrance,

As we welcome the last month of this year, the air is filled with anticipation and the sweet melodies of Christmas carols echo through the halls of our hearts. It is a time of reflection, a time of waiting, and a time of joy as we embark on the sacred journey of Advent leading us to the celebration of Christmas.

Advent, derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning arrival or coming, beckons us to prepare our hearts for the arrival of our Savior. The Advent season is a call to introspection and preparation. Just as Mary and Joseph prepared a place for the Christ child in the humble manger, we too are called to prepare a space in our hearts for the miracle of Christmas. This preparation involves prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness that mirror the love and compassion of our Savior.

I encourage you to set aside moments of quiet reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of the season. Create a sacred space in your home where you can center your thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas. Engage in acts of kindness that embody the spirit of giving and selflessness, echoing the greatest gift of all—God’s gift of His Son.

As the final Advent candle is lit, we joyfully transition to the heartwarming celebration of Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a testament to God’s immense love for humanity. The divine becomes human, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary as we welcome the Prince of Peace into our lives. In the spirit of Christmas, let us reach out to those in need, share the love that has been graciously given to us, and embrace the joy of the season. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, sharing a meal with a neighbor, or extending a helping hand to those less fortunate, may our actions reflect the love and compassion of Christ.

This December, let our hearts be filled with hope, our lives be shaped by preparation, and our homes be illuminated by the joy of Christmas. As a church family, let us join together in gratitude for the gift of Jesus Christ, the true reason for the season.

Wishing you a blessed Advent and a joyous Christmas!

In Christ’s love, Pastor Jacob