Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. We watch and wonder what is next in a time of change in our society. We watch with open eyes for what God has in store for us in the days ahead. There have been multiple ebbs and flows in the celebration of Christmas including a time in 1644 when the celebration of Christmas was even banned in England. It was eventually brought back through the use of Christmas caroling.

Rev. Gary Kennedy shared a time in history when Adolf Hitler stirred up a persecution of Jews after blaming a Jewish person for starting a fire in the government buildings. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian wrote a protest of this persecution and called Christians and Jews to action.

Many years later when there was a destructive fire in Rome, Nero blamed Christians and the Roman government began persecuting Christians. John Mark who was a teenager during the life of Christ and became a disciple of Peter who became his mentor. Mark wrote in his letter a general protest of this persecution and he called Christians to action.

We are living in changing times and the tolerance of Christian values is being challenged. We exist to stand up and defend Christianity and help those in need. With each new day we are being prepared to stand firm for Christian values.