Sunday bulletin Who doesn’t love a fresh start? “I let things slide this week, but next week will be different. I was a little grumpy and irritable yesterday, but today will be different.” Tomorrow is another fresh start, the first Sunday in the Advent season and the beginning of another church year. Do you remember last Advent? Did you tell yourself, “This time December will be different. I won’t get so caught up in the rush to ‘do it all.’ I’ll pace myself and concentrate on the reason for the season. I won’t stress out over the little things.” Did it work? Probably not, at least not entirely. Our good intentions never quite turn out as we want them to. Things get in the way. Sin gets in the way. Despite our best efforts, it will happen again this year one way or another. Still, it’s not cause for discouragement. Instead, take it as a reminder to focus on the fresh start God provides every day. Gazing out over the rubble that was once Jerusalem, Jeremiah said, “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23). We fail and fall short, but the Lord never does. Every morning He offers us a fresh start. We can leave our sins at the foot of Jesus’ cross and set off into another day with a light heart and new determination to do things differently, to make the most of a new Advent season by taking the time to listen to the Lord’s Word, to treasure His promises, and to seek first the kingdom of God. And when we fall short, we know where to go and start again. -Pastor Michael Eichstadt (used with permission)