As a practical way to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ during this Advent season, Immanuel’s church staff recently left the building to do some hands-on work outside to help an Immanuel family in need.  We raked and bagged leaves, trimmed trees and shrubbery, moved junk to the curbside, and replaced a section of fence which included building a new gate.  It was our way of modeling how to give back by going and loving a neighbor while meeting a real need.  It was a very meaningful experience that also served 1) to encourage and build one another up in the body of Christ, 2) to realize what a joy it is to have the opportunity to serve God and our neighbor, and 3) to highlight the importance of continuing to do good works because of the abundant love that God in his grace shows us.  So our encouraging word to everyone is to get up, go out, and use this special time of year to serve your neighbor (someone in your Immanuel family or the greater community) and share the love of Christ as together we once again prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth!