Christians know this time of year as the Advent season but, for our culture as a whole, it is best known as Christmas shopping season. Over the next few weeks people will flock to stores and websites hoping to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their lists. The best gifts are a blessing to the receiver and a reflection of the giver. This is true not only of Christmas presents but also of God’s gifts. LinC looks at the gifts God has given us, how they are blessings, and how they reflect the Giver. We’ll also discuss ways that we can readily give of ourselves in God’s name. Key Scriptures: Mark 11:1-11; Luke 11:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. The biggest movie of the holiday season is the first installment of the long- awaited adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, directed by Peter Jackson (who brought us The Lord of the Rings a decade ago). The first Hobbit film, as its title suggests, is about an “unexpected journey.” Advent is a time of year when we reflect on the unexpected journey that led to Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and the unexpected journeys that lie ahead as we await the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Next week we’ll talk about the unpredictable adventures that we have as we follow Jesus on a journey of faith.
