by Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor
Christianity introduces itself to the world through a book written by someone who was, in many ways, an outsider. Matthew, the author of the first book in the New Testament, was a tax collector—hated by many, including the religious elites of his time. Yet his story is central to the Christian narrative. When religious leaders questioned Jesus about why he would spend time with people like Matthew, Jesus responded, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Matthew 9:12).
Advent, which begins this Sunday, December 1, is a season that invites us to look outward. The word “Advent” means “coming,” and it reminds us that when God chose to make Himself known to us, he didn’t just talk about it from a distance—he came near in the person of Jesus.
This year, our Advent messages will explore Matthew’s unique take on the Christmas story. While he doesn’t shy away from sharing that Jesus entered the world in surprising and even scandalous ways, Matthew focuses on presenting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, with a mission unlike any other.
We’d love for you to join us each Sunday of Advent—the four Sundays leading up to Christmas—when we’ll dive into the first two chapters of Matthew’s Gospel. And if you know someone who’s not used to attending church, or may not describe themselves as a Christian, Advent is a time when many are more open to visiting. Feel free to invite them to join us each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., as well as for our special Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service at 4:00 p.m. on December 24.
