December 4, 2025

Dear Central Church,

I once heard someone describe Advent this way: “Advent is like the hush in a theater just before the curtain rises.” These weeks of preparation build a sense of holy anticipation so that when the curtain is lifted and Jesus comes, our hearts will be ready to meet him. My hope is that your days have been filled with sacred moments that help you prepare room in your heart for what God wants to do in this season.

Our Advent theme this year is Surprise—a celebration of the God who loves to surprise us. My prayer is that we refuse to settle for the predictable, cultural “humdrum” that Christmas has become for so many. I don’t want anyone to miss the journey of unpredictable grace that the Holy Spirit desires to take us on during these weeks.

This Advent, we’re invited to lean into the unexpected. The Christmas story reminds us that God’s greatest gifts often arrive in ways no one saw coming—meeting us not only at the manger, but also in the ordinary spaces on the margins of everyday life.

Last Sunday, we looked at Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were surprised by God’s presence. This week, I invite you to enter into Joseph’s story. His life took a sudden and surprising turn, yet he experienced firsthand how God speaks, guides, and shows up right in the middle of real life—quiet moments, hard decisions, and faithful obedience.

If you haven’t picked up your Surprise Advent Devotional yet, we still have copies available. You can grab one this Sunday at the Welcome Center.

Also, our Kids Ministry has a wonderful surprise in store! They will be presenting their Christmas play this Sunday evening at 5:30 PM. We hope you’ll join us for this special event, followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments after the performance.

Have a blessed weekend! I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we continue the beautiful journey toward the birth of our Savior.

Until He's Finished,
Pastor Mark