December 1 is the first Sunday of Advent. During the Advent season, Christians celebrate that the “Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Or as The Message paraphrases that same verse, Jesus “became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” Christmas is about incarnation: God in Jesus stoops down to get close to and walk with us.
One of the ways Christians experience the fullness of Christmas is by moving more deeply into their neighborhoods, just as Jesus moved into ours. As we enter the month of December, I invite you to consider: how can you move further into your neighborhood? If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few suggestions:
- Do some prayer walks throughout the city. As you walk, ask God to give you his heart of compassion for the people and places where you live and work.
- Bring a friend who doesn’t ordinarily attend church to our Lessons & Carols service on Sunday, December 15.
- Visit the “Mercy and Justice” page on our website to find practical ways to serve your neighbors in our city.
Jesus moved into the neighborhood — and now he lives in you. His heart is for you, and also for the people you do life with, and the spaces where your life unfolds. May God help us to live out the message of Christmas as we love and serve our city.
In hope,
Pastor Bijan
Christ’s incarnation is a reminder – what Jesus did for us is what he now calls us to do for others: move toward brokenness with good news of grace and healing. Advent is a wonderful time to invite your friends, coworkers, and neighbors. You can find the complete list of our events, resources, West Side Family Devotional, and the Kids programming schedule at redeemerws.com/advent
Please sign up for the Neighborhood Engagement newsletter, a new monthly email to let you know about Redeemer West Side’s vision, updates, and opportunities for neighborhood engagement. Occasionally, we’ll send brief emails alerting you to upcoming events and needs. It officially launches on Thursday, December 5.
Upcoming
- Nov 26 | Men’s Bible Study
- Dec 3 | #GivingTuesday
- Dec 7 | Birthday Party for Jesus *Volunteering*
- Dec 8 | In Community for Our City: Q&A
- Dec 11 | Belnord Christmas Toy Store Bash
- Dec 13 | OWLS Christmas Party
- Dec 13 | Live @ W83 | Expressive Dialogues: Music by Mozart and Franck
- Dec 15 | Lessons & Carols – Sing with the Choir
- Dec 15 | Elected Leader Nominations Deadline
- Jan 15 | CFW | Vocation Lab
Get Involved
| RWS Job Opening: Club 56 Sunday School Teacher (PT) Jersey City neighbors are invited to join a new local Community Group. Spread Christmas Cheer on Dec 7 or Dec 14. Give to His Toy Store for the Christmas season! Serve families in crisis with Safe Families for Children. |
