Advent Starts Tomorrow - Are you ready?

Greetings!

Advent begins tomorrow, and it gives me great pleasure to share the Lutheran Indian Ministries 2016 Advent Devotions with you.

Advent is a season filled with expectations and anticipation!

As Christians, Advent is a time of preparation and reflection during the 4- weeks prior to
Christmas; the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Originally, there was little connection between Advent and Christmas. In fact, it wasn’t until the 6th century that Roman Christians tied Advent to the coming of Christ. But, the “coming” they had in mind was not Christ’s first coming in the manger in Bethlehem, but his second coming in the clouds as the judge of the world. It was not until the Middle Ages that the Advent season was explicitly linked to Christ’s first coming at Christmas.

As we celebrate (with great anticipation) the approaching celebration of Jesus birth, we also
anticipate (with great expectations) the day when Christ will come again and give us His ultimate gift of grace – eternal life with Him in heaven. It is our hope that this booklet will not only prepare you for the celebration of Christ’s first coming, but the second coming as well.

Many of our donors and supporters have shared with us that they look forward with great
anticipation and expectation to receiving these devotions every year. Because they are written by members of the Lutheran Indian Ministries staff, it is our hope that they will bring a different perspective to your Advent meditations and preparations.

We are richly blessed by your passion for and support of Lutheran Indian Ministries. Our staff is grateful for your prayers and gifts. Because of you, we are able to share the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, disciple others and facilitate healing in a way that affirms Native cultures. That means that from the arctic tundra of Alaska, to the desert mesas of New Mexico, to the windblown plains of Kansas, our Native American brothers and sisters are celebrating the birth of Christ and anticipating the day when He will come again. Thanks to you and praise be to God!

May God bless you always,

Tim Young Eagle, CFRE (Pawnee)
Executive Director, Lutheran Indian Ministries